Patricia C. "Pat" Elders

Patricia "Pat" Catherine Elders, of Cuba, MO, was born on Wednesday, June 15, 1949, in Waynesville, MO, to Dr. Frank Alvin Elders and Mary Catherine Elders, nee Donahoe. She passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Cuba Manor, at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 21 days.
Pat was young and carefree in spirit, yet remarkably accomplished from an early age. She graduated from Cuba High School at 16 and began college at 17. She attended Illinois State University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology, later completing her Master's Degree in Human Resource Management at Washington University in St. Louis.

Brilliant and deeply thoughtful, Pat loved intellectual conversation and spirited debate. She was never one for small talk, preferring meaningful exchanges that challenged the mind. Her love for learning was matched by her deep passion for music. She embraced all genres and, while attending SIU, sang as the lead vocalist in a band. A gifted musician, she played the flute, saxophone, and piano, earning a degree in piano performance. Music remained a constant presence in her life, filling her home and heart.

Pat dedicated 27 years of service to UPS, beginning her career as a driver and steadily working her way into Human Resources. The company recognized her exceptional abilities and trained her to litigate on their behalf. She went on to win nearly all of her cases, earning respect for her sharp intellect, integrity, and determination before retiring after nearly three decades of service.

Following her retirement in 2006, Pat returned home to Cuba, Missouri, where she devoted herself to caring for her beloved mother, Mary Pounds. She embraced a quieter life, finding joy in simple routines-daily walks with her niece and dogs, attending Blues Festivals, tending to her garden, and faithfully feeding the birds she so loved to watch.

Pat was deeply rooted in her community. She was an active member of the Crawford County Republican Committee and the Crawford County Republican Women's organization. Her faith was equally central to her life. As a devoted member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, she faithfully served for many years as the church's keyboardist, practicing her hymns daily at home with dedication and reverence.

A generous and compassionate soul, Pat supported numerous charities and was a devoted animal lover. She rescued dogs and horses, cared for them tenderly, and found great joy in horseback riding-proudly riding in countywide parades. She valued physical well-being and especially cherished her time at Rock Steady Boxing in St. Louis, a place that became very special to her. There, attending twice weekly, she formed lasting friendships and found strength and laughter.

Pat was blessed with many visitors-a beautiful testament to the love she shared so freely with her friends and her community. Her life was one of intelligence, service, faith, music, compassion, and quiet strength. Pat will be remembered not only for her remarkable accomplishments, but for the deep, lasting impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Frank Elders; mother, Mary (Lloyd) Pounds; sister, Mary Judith Elders.
Pat is survived by her loving nieces, Jennifer (Chris) Abercrombie of Sunset Hills, MO, Rebecca (Phil) Kesel of Odessa, FL, Rachel (Tim) Verharst of Hillsboro, MO and Dana (Ronnie Dean) McDowell of Hendersonville, TN; brother, Dr. Mike Elders of Cuba, MO; godson Ryan Meiser of Cuba, MO; many great nieces, great nephews and many friends.
Visitation was from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, MO. Funeral Mass immediately followed at 11:00 AM with Father Mark Smith officiating. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the Cuba Animal Shelter or Rock Steady Boxing in Fenton, MO.

If you would like to donate to Rock Steady Boxing STL-Fenton, please make your check payable to Rock Steady Boxing STL-Fenton and mail to:
101 Christopher Place
Saint Louis, MO 63129
Or you can leave them in the basket at Holy Cross and Pat's family will send them for you.

For additional donation options, contact Lisa McKenna at 314-804-9117

All donations made online will go to the RSB headquarters in Indianapolis, NOT directly to Fenton location.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.