Patricia Ann Pennington, aged 88, passed away on July 9, 2023, in Kingwood, TX. Diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies in 2020, Patricia relocated to Kingwood to be near her daughter, Mary Rushing, and her family – Mary was by her side at the time of her death.


Patricia, also known as “Patty” or “Pat”, was born to Timothy Shea and Hazel Thurman on March 18, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri. After her family relocated to Great Bend, she graduated from Great Bend High School and started her career as a Telegraph Operator with Western Union Telegraph Corporation in Grand Junction, CO. Over the years, she worked in various roles, including Office Manager at Southwest Gas and Disco, Inc. in Liberal, KS.


Pat met the love of her life, Lester L. Pennington, on a blind date. They married on August 20, 1955, and made their home in Liberal, KS, where they resided until Lesters passing in 2000. Pat then moved to Shawnee Mission, KS to be near her son David Pennington and his family.

Pat and Lester were blessed with four children: Tim (Lisa) of Lebanon, OH; David (Debbie) of Fairway, KS; Mary Rushing (Tom) of Kingwood, TX; and Dan (Pam) of Edwards, CO.

Pat had a love for many crafts. She was an avid quilter and collector of antique dishes. A passionate bridge player, she also loved music and enjoyed singing and playing the organ. Most of all, she loved her family. Always ready to laugh and joke, she was fiercely loyal to her family.


Pat is predeceased by her husband and her parents.

She is survived by her four children as well as a sister, Nancy OHearn and a brother, Jim (Sandy) Shea. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Cris (Lauren), Noah and Luke Pennington; Andrew (Kirby) Pennington, Courtney (Johnny) Falk, Emma (Grant) Minick; Matthew (Jacey) Rushing, Shelby (Zach) Emerson; and Crosby, Nell and Alden Pennington. She also has seven great-grandchildren: Henry Pennington; Megan, Danny and Lindy Falk; Maggie Lou Minick; Hadley Rushing and Jack Emerson. Along with beloved sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Needles and Friends Quilt Guild” in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas 67901.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 9am at the Restlawn Cemetery, 8955 HWY 83, Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com