Pat J. Herndon

Herndon, Patricia “Pat” J. 83, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023. She was born November 27, 1939 to parents Josephine and Robert Cebula in Detroit, Michigan and was loved by her stepfather Joe Kulpa.

Pat was an Air Force spouse and mother of three. As a military spouse she traveled internationally while caring for her husband and children. She managed her home through many moves all over the globe which eventually brought her to Derby. Their house was always open to service friends who were stationed away from their homes during the holidays. Besides being a gracious host, Pat was the Bingo Captain while in Okinawa, made lifelong friends with her Pinochle card group, played on the St. Mary’s bowling league, and was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Guild.

Living simply, helping those around her, and telling beloved stories (often over and over to everyone’s delight) were just a few of the reasons people were drawn to Pat. She was a knitter, an award winning cake decorator, a quilter, an avid reader, and had unwavering dedication to her faith, family, and friends. Plus, she played a mean game of Scrabble.

After a short battle with advanced cancer and pneumonia, as well as a broken heart from losing her husband only a few weeks before, Pat was able to rejoin Larry and her daughters. She has now found perfect peace and rest after leading a meaningful, loving, and virtuous life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Larry and daughters, Lori Hawkins, Linda Ashburn, Jill Koftan; sister, Madeline Gebauer; and great-grandson, Mason Shaw.

Pat is survived by her 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation Wednesday, April 26th, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with Vigil and Rosary following at 6pm, both at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 North Rock Road, Derby, Kansas 67037. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am, Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2300 E. Meadowlark, Derby, KS 67037. Interment to follow at El Paso Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Parish Building Fund, 2300 E Meadowlark Rd, Derby, KS 67037 or Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S St. Francis. Wichita, KS 67211.