Patricia Anna "Patti" Rang

Patricia Anna Rang, born on March 13, 1938, in Cuero, Texas, passed away peacefully

in St. Augustine, Florida on November 22, 2025. Patti lived a life rich with a creative

passion for art, and a deep involvement in the historic community in St. Augustine. As a

lab technologist and laboratory manager, she served in the health care industry with

distinction at Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine General Hospital, and Orange Park

Hospital.

Patti was not only a medical professional but also an expressive artist, finding joy in

painting and pottery which she pursued throughout her life. She began exploring

painting and pottery in Texas, eventually bringing her talents to Florida, where she lived

in Lake Worth, Gainesville, West Palm Beach, finally settling in St. Augustine.

As an equally bold cook, Patti was known for her innovative Tex-Mex cuisine. She also

delighted in baking and further enjoyed reenacting the historic traditions of open-fire

camp cooking. As such, she provided meals for re-enactors at numerous historic events

and hosted tea parties as historic demonstrations.

Passionate about living history, Patti (with her husband Carl), was deeply involved in

living history reenactments along the Southeast coast, representing time periods from

the 16th to the 19th century. She proudly participated with groups such as the East

Florida Rangers and the 60th Regiment of Foot Historic Florida Militia, all while sewing

and creating historical clothing and uniforms not only for her family but also for others in

the living history community. She also was a founding member of the Historic

Impressionist of Florida, where she proudly portrayed Queen Victoria.

In addition, Patti co-founded the Grande Illumination and Night Watch Parades in 1974

and later, the St. Augustine Folk Festival in honor of Gamble Rogers. Making these

significant contributions to her community, her efforts earned her the ROWITA Award

and the Aviles Award, recognizing her commitment to preserving and celebrating local

history and culture.

Quilting also held a special place in Patti's heart, as she lovingly created quilts that told

stories for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, stitching memories with every

thread, ensuring her legacy would live on through their memories.

She is survived by her daughters, Lara Lee Winchester and Rachel A. Smolek; her

grandchildren, Larissa Winchester Webb (Ronald Webb), Evan F. Winchester,

Alessandra Smolek Braswell (Brantly Braswell), and Carlotta J. Smolek (Blake Moore);

her great-grandchildren, Oliver Webb, Ronald 'Trae'; Webb, Wilson Mayes Braswell, and

Turner Evans Braswell; and her sons-in-law, Charles F. Winchester and Gary W.

Smolek.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Evans; her mother, Adelaide Evans;

her brother, Michael Evans; her sister, Robin Evans; her granddaughter, Rianna S.

Winchester; and her loving husband of 59 years, Carl Edward Rang.

Patti's legacy of creativity and historical spirit will continue to inspire those who had the

privilege of knowing her. Patti's Celebration of Life will be December 1st, at 2pm with a

reception to last until 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society, Community Hospice,

and Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab Center in Patricia A. Rang's memory.

If anyone wishes to send well wishes or cards to the Family of Mrs. Patti, her daughter's

address is:

Mrs. Rachel Smolek

4 East Park Avenue,

St. Augustine Florida, 32084