Patsy Jean Myers

Patsy Myers, age 97, Elizabethtown NY, passed away on November 22, 2025 at the Essex Center in Elizabethtown.

Patsy Myers, daughter of Emma and Frank Burton, was born October 1, 1928. She lived most of her growing up years in Academy, South Dakota. She graduated from Platte High School in 1946. She graduated from Yankton College and earned degrees in Fine Arts and Piano. Later she received a Master's in Social Work from the University of Louisville KY. She was a social worker in Champaign-Urbana IL, Duluth MN, and Elizabethtown NY.

She enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, walking and canoeing. Patsy became a coveted 46er (#1402) after climbing the 46 highest peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Her son, David, and stepson, Tom, were often rolled out of bed at 4:00 in the morning and forced to join the treks up and down the mountains. Needless to say, neither became avid mountain climbers.

Books, word finds, crossword puzzles and jazz music brought her joy. For years she was seen in E-town walking her poodle, Peter. During her retirement years, she read to students in the Elizabethtown elementary school. During the summer and fall she often traveled to South Dakota, New Mexico and Maine. In 2022 Patsy quoted a view of herself, "She leaves no life's ambition unrequited."

Patsy was married to Gerald Sly, Donald Bender and Bill Myers. She was preceded in death by all three. Her sons are: Burton Sly (Jacque), Rapid City SD and David Bender (Debbie), Elizabethtown NY. Grandchildren include: Ann Noyes, Pierre SD; Emily Sly, Sequim WA; Russell Sly, Spokane WA; Duncan Bender, Elizabethtown NY; and Hannah Bender (Jacob), Westminster CA. She also has four great-grandchildren: Maria, Ellie, Rosalie and Ruby. Extended family includes step-children: Steve (Linda) Myers, NY; Lynne (Roger) Ver Mulm, CA; Tom (Luci) Myers, CA; plus, Jody Bender and her son, Jeremy.

Patsy's family would like to thank the staff of Essex Center for the care provided to her since 2023. The family is grateful for Jay and Candy Kohen and Dr. Moison, neighbors, who were always there, giving additional support and care throughout the years.

Arrangements are in the care of the Heidrick Funeral Home, Elizabethtown NY. To share a memory please visit www.heidrickfuneralhome.com.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.