Patricia Ellen "Patt" Pafford

Patricia "Patt" Ellen (Rippeto) Pafford, age 84, of Columbia, Missouri and New Braunfels, Texas died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center after a brief illness.

Patt was born on March 15, 1940, in Jefferson City, Missouri to Willie Rippeto and Chloe (Crane) Rippeto. She was the third oldest of six children and was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Archie Rippeto (Doris), brother Donald Rippeto (Phyllis), and her sister Judy Rippeto Perkins. Patt is survived by her husband, Bill Pafford of Waco, Texas, sister Glenda Rippeto Moss (Jerry) of Austin, Texas, brother Tom Rippeto (Ellen) of Columbia, Missouri, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Patt graduated from Hickman High School in 1957 where she developed her lifelong love of music, particularly playing the trumpet. She earned a number of honors through her association with the Hickman band. Patt continued her musical education at the University of Missouri in Columbia where she received her bachelor's degree in 1962 and her master's degree in 1966.

This led to a 30-year rewarding teaching career and the establishment of her own music studio where she had the joy of teaching music students at all levels including those preparing for All-District and All-State Bands.

Patt met the love of her life, Bill Pafford, who survives, while they were both working in Hannibal, Missouri at the Calvary Baptist Church. They married there in 1981 and began a 43-year happy life based on faith, music, travel, and family.

For those who would like to make a donation in Patt's memory, please include a note with your tribute mentioning Patt Pafford and Marching Mizzou to the following address: Marching Mizzou, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Advancement, Columbia, MO 65211.

A private service and burial will be held at Goshen Baptist Church and Cemetery in Hartsburg.

Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home and memories and expressions of sympathy for the Pafford and Rippeto families may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.