Patricia Ellen Hearson, 81, passed away at 7:05pm Tuesday evening.

She was born October 21, 1936, in Fall River, Kansas, to Stella and Garnet Seaton.  Patricia was a graduate of Fredonia High School, Fredonia, Kansas. She earned, with honors, a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree from DePauw University.

Pat was a dedicated and loving teacher of children. She taught first grade at Mills Elementary School; Preschool at the Presbyterian Church and First and Second grades at Nicholson Elementary School. She retired from teaching in 1991.

Pat was a devout and avid student of the Bible and religious literature. Her faith was paramount in her home, in her work, in her church and even in her casual moments. She served on and chaired church committees and taught adult Church School at the First United Methodist Church of Crawfordsville. She taught numerous ecumenical Women's Bible Studies and was a participant and presenter for the Christian Walk to Emmaus. Her passion was to kindly and respectfully, share the life changing power of the Word and of fervent prayer. She desired the best for all, but held a special concern and outreach for those experiencing life difficulties.

Pat was community minded. She served on the Board and was, in a voluntary capacity, Director of the Women's Resource Center during its founding years. She was a member and served as President of PEO, and she was a member of retired Teachers of Montgomery County

Pat loved to take daily walks and would converse with and befriend folks along the way. Pat had a special connection with God through nature. She so appreciated fresh and varied greens of Spring, the array of form and color of wild and perennial flowers and the vivid fall colors against the deep blue sky. She loved to read and was an accomplished and creative cook.

On June 14, 1959, Patricia married Lester (Les) Hearson at the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia, Kansas. He survives. She is also survived by her daughter Linda (Daniel) Burkhardt; Son N. Blake (Jennifer); grandchildren, Emma, Claire and Logan. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert.

Funeral services will be held 10:00am Saturday at First United Methodist Church with interment in Oak Hill Cemetery North.  Visitation will be Friday from 4-7pm at First United Methodist Church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Women's Resource Center or First United Methodist Church.