Patsy Ruth Waitley

Patsy Ruth Waitley, 80, Columbus, KS passed away at her home on August 25, 2025.
Patsy was born on August 15, 1945, at Saint Margaret's Hospital in Kansas City, KS to parents Martin Thomas Waitley and Ruth Marguerite Neighbors Waitley. She was the youngest of 6 where she joined siblings Thomas, Don, Bill, Carolyn, and Dixie.
She grew up in the Kansas City, KS area and was proud to attend Muncie Grade School. She enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, attending ceramic classes at Kensington Park and made some beautiful painted works of art. She loved to bowl and was good at it. She practiced at the Sunset Bowling Alley with her friend Belinda Robinson for the State Special Olympics. They were both in the newspaper for being winners in the Wyandotte/Johnson County Special Olympics.
Pat loved clowns and her favorite performer was Elvis Presley, whom she loved to listen to. As a young adult Pat moved to the country in McLouth, KS with her mother near her sister Carolyn and brother-in-law George. She spent a few years in Piper, KS until the death of her mother. Pat then moved in with her brother Don and his wife Ann in Hollowell, KS. They were instrumental in Pat gaining her independence allowing her the opportunity to attend Class LTD. There was a large celebration honoring this accomplishment which was attended by her loved ones including her boyfriend, Jerry. Pat was also honored in the newspaper for achieving this goal. When Pat began living independently, she shared her first home with her friend Darlene. Darlene taught Pat many life and social skills. She then had an apartment to herself for a while until she was diagnosed with cancer. Pat was a 20-year cancer survivor! She then relocated to a four-quad shared apartment. Here she lived with Vicki and met LaDonna Clark who became more than just a team leader, she was Pat's best friend.
In these later years Pat lived a very full life. She was most proud of being in The Special Olympics for a second time participating in Ball Throwing. She rode horses and was involved in the Horses of Hope annual fund raiser. She enjoyed the annual Christmas play where she was one of the wisemen. Pat attended the Valentine's dance every year and was crowned the Queen where she proudly wore her crown. She also attended various activities including the American Royal, fishing trips, concerts, playing nickel slots and going to the theatre. Pat lived a happy life with daily phone calls and lots of visits from friends and family. She loved making the trip back to Kansas City, especially during the holidays.
She leaves behind her brother Don Waitley and was preceded in death by his wife Ann, her brother Thomas Waitley (Shirley), brother Bill Waitley (Georgia), sister Carolyn Waitley Mestagh (George), and sister Dixie Waitley Walker. She had numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even great- great nieces and nephews! Pat loved everybody and everybody loved Pat!
There will be a visitation and service for Pat at Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak St., Bonner Springs, KS 66012 on Friday, August 29, 2025. Visitation will be from 10-11:00am followed by a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00am. With burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, KS. Following the burial there will be a Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family at the Alden-Harrington Event Center to honor her memory and share the joy she brought to so many. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Horses of Hope.