Patricia Joan Shumate

Patricia Joan Shumate was born to Kenneth and Joan Dill on December 13, 1952 at Kindley Air Force Base in Bermuda. She went home with Jesus on August 12, 2021.
Pat grew up as a child of an Air Force Colonel, living around the world, including time spent in Germany. After graduating from high school in Arlington, Virginia in 1970, she moved to Toronto, Kansas with her parents, where she opened a kennel to raise Shetland Sheepdogs. A few years later, she applied for a job as a secretary in the local office of Bechtel Engineering. She didn't get the job, but on January 15, 1977, she married an engineer from that office and the rest is history.
In the early years of their marriage, Scott's job took them all over the world, this time with their three very young daughters, Sara, Carol, and Mary. Pat's devotion to making unusual living situations work was evidence of her commitment to family. In the mid-1980s, Pat and Scott moved to Lebanon, MO where they started over again, this time with the goal to put down some roots. They began regularly attending the First United Methodist Church.
Pat's role in the church grew, as her passion for the Christian education of children became more and more realized. What began as work in the local church as a youth director expanded into conference leadership positions and directing week-long church camps at Camp Galilee. She worked as the Children's Ministry Director for years, pouring her seemingly endless energy and ideas into thoughtful Sunday school curriculum, dramatic VBS displays, and meaningful Christmas programs. Generations of Methodist kids grew up with Pat Shumate at the helm.
Pat sought to serve others in any way she could. She faithfully sponsored children through WorldVision, a Christian humanitarian organization helping children, families and their communities overcome poverty and injustice. She and Scott organized countless 4-H programs introducing dozens of children to their love of horses. They also traveled with the United Methodist NOMADS program, providing them an opportunity to combine their love of camping with their love of serving others. The community around Rio Grande City, TX was especially dear to her heart.
She was a wholly dedicated and supportive wife and mother willing to entertain any wild idea or whim while providing a steadiness to the household that she preferred. She was an incredibly thoughtful Grandma Pat to her own grandchildren and their friends, and she greeted everyone with a big smile and a joyful outlook.
She is survived by her husband, Scott; daughters Sara Johnson and her husband Justin of Lebanon, Carol Shumate of San Francisco, CA, and Mary Russell and her husband Jason of Lebanon; 4 grandchildren, Grace and Ella Johnson and Drew and Spencer Russell; siblings Linda Cooperrider and Bonnie Holloman and her husband George, all of Springfield, IL; other relatives and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Joan Dill; one brother, Kenneth Dill.
Pat's faith in Jesus was evident throughout her life and although her absence from this world will be felt by so many, those who knew and loved her know that she is singing in every heavenly choir performance on the schedule and soaking up all the time she can in His presence. She would want us to celebrate her life and know that this is not a goodbye, but a "see you soon."
There is no scheduled visitation. The family of Pat Shumate respectfully asked those attending the service to wear masks.
Memorials have been suggested to First United Methodist Church World Vision Program. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Patricia Joan SHUMATE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.