PATTI J. WINGET

On May 24th, 2012, Patti Jean Winget passed on in Mission Hills, KS. Patti passed on after a brave battle with cancer and exhibited the same courage and passion in her illness that she displayed throughout her life. Patti was born in Wenatchee, WA, on May 25, 1925. She graduated from Chassey High School in Ontario, CA in 1944. Patti went on to Pepperdine University, where she graduated in 1948. She was an outstanding scholar and athlete. Patti was heavily involved on campus, where she was a cheerleader, drum and bugle captain, member of Zeta Kappa sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma), and the basketball queen. During the summer, Patti worked as a Rosie the Riveter' at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA. Patti loved to spend days at Playa del Rey Beach and the Big Bear Mountains. Patti met Jerry Lowther at Pepperdine and they married in November 1946 in Los Angeles. Patti and Jerry moved to Columbia, MO, for three years while Jerry attended the University of Missouri School of Law. While in Columbia, she taught basketball and tennis at Stephens College and was involved in the Law Wives Club. Patti and Jerry moved to Springfield, MO, after Jerry's graduation from law school, where they raised their four children. Patti was well known throughout Springfield for her civic and political activities. She was crowned Mrs. Missouri in 1963, winning the Table Setting category in the national competition. She was president of Camp Fire Girls in Springfield and during her tenure bought Camp Wakani, a camp that served countless girls. She was an officer in the Daughters of the American Revolution and helped with the Family Violence Center. She taught health and folk dancing at Southwest Missouri State University (Missouri State University). Patti pursued education throughout her life and at the age of 50, she attended classes at Drury University, earning her MBA in 1982. Following her graduation, she went to work for ACD Litton in the Human Relations Department. Patti was an avid genealogist and published four books on family history. However, Patti's greatest passion was the East Sunshine Church of Christ (formerly South National Church of Christ). She served in many capacities at the church over the years, helping with women's groups, vacation bible school, and countless bridal and baby showers. Patti was married to Howard Winget for 27 years. They shared many happy memories together, including traveling the world. Her favorite places included Ireland, Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Patti and Howard also enjoyed numerous float trips, especially on the Swan, Elk, and King Rivers. Patti adored her family. Her children were particularly fond of her famous Easter egg hunts. Patti was preceded in death by her husband, Howard. She is survived by her children and their families: Teresa Roberts, husband Jack, and son Dylan; Craig Lowther, wife Rita, children Lauren, Brooke and Stephen Evans, Blake, Rob and Kristen Feurbacher, Mark Feurbacher and Brad and Jen Feurbacher; Natalie Wolfe, daughters Wendy and Alexis and son Brad; Lisa Gordon, husband Edwin, and sons Jordan Paul, Austin Paul, and Brady Gordon; Feliz Ozel, foreign exchange student daughter. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 at Leawood Presbyterian Church, 2715 W 83rd Street, Leawood, KS 66206. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the East Sunshine Church of Christ, 721 E. Sunshine, Springfield, M0 65809; The Family Violence Center 417- 837-7700; or to Patti's charity 'Nana's Pat's Blankies.' The blankets are donated to children in women's shelters. Patti left this world listening to one of her favorite hymns and was met with heavenly hymns just in time to celebrate her birthday in the presence of the angels and the Lord.