Patsy Lou Gundy

 Patsy Lou “Pat” (Lowry) Gundy, 92, of Osage City, Kansas, went home to be with her Lord on November 7, 2025, surrounded by family at her home.

 Pat was born on April 16, 1933, the daughter of Cassius Clay and Edna Fayetta (Snow) Lowry. She was one of eleven children and grew up in a home full of love, laughter, and hard work. Pat attended Emporia High School, graduating with the class of 1951. 

On February 27, 1955, she married the love of her life, Richard Ward Gundy, at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. They shared 27 wonderful years of marriage before Richard’s passing in 1982. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love. Their greatest joy came with the homecoming of their daughter, Tricia, whom they brought home at just three days old. Pat and Richard dedicated themselves to being the best parents they could be—hauling Tricia to 4-H events, horse shows, music lessons, and school activities.

 Pat was known for her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication. She was never one to sit still and spent her life in service to others through both her career and volunteer work. She began her working years at Hallmark Cards in Osage City before joining Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Emporia as an operator, where she served for more than 20 years. Later, she worked as a switchboard operator at the Lyon County Courthouse, a position she held for over a decade. After moving to Osage City in 1998 to be closer to Tricia and her family, Pat continued to stay busy—working at Duckwalls as a clerk and eventually finding her most cherished role as a Preschool Teacher at the United Methodist Church in Osage City. For 20 years, “Miss Pat” lovingly guided, taught, and cared for countless children, leaving an indelible mark on every little heart that passed through her classroom.

 Faith was at the center of Pat’s life. She was a devoted member of both the Reading United Methodist Church, where she attended for over 50 years, and the Osage City United Methodist Church after moving. On many Sundays, she could be found attending services at both, especially when Tricia was the accompanist or her grandchildren were performing. Pat lived her faith daily, volunteering countless hours for church luncheons, youth programs, and community events. She was an active member of the UMC Women in Faith and the Marshall Club, always ready with a helping hand and a warm smile. 

Outside of work and church, Pat found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved being outdoors. She found peace in tending to her flowers and garden and took great pride in keeping her yard beautiful. She shared her green thumb with her daughter and grandchildren, who often sought her advice during planting season. She also treasured time with friends, whether hosting breakfast or lunch in her cozy cabin, enjoying coffee at Miracle Café, or taking a drive through town to “see what was going on.” Pat also had a remarkable talent for sewing and quilting, a hobby that became one of her greatest passions. She could mend any piece of “holey” clothing brought to her by friends or family, and she lovingly made countless garments and Halloween costumes for her daughter and grandchildren through the years. Her creativity filled her home, each room adorned with handmade valances perfectly matched to her décor and beautiful quilts she pieced together with care. These quilts, proudly displayed throughout her home, stand as a lasting reflection of her patience, artistry, and love.

 Of all the roles Pat cherished, “Grandma” was her favorite. Her grandchildren—Dalton (Kelsy) Swindale and their daughter Hallie; Kaitlin (Dakota) Vandevord and their children Delaney and Kash; and Carter (Jordan) Swindale and their sons Axel, Ace, and Atlas—were the light of her life. She was their biggest supporter, constant cheerleader, and source of unconditional love. Whether it was hauling them to practices and lessons, sitting proudly in the audience, or simply being there when they needed her, “Grandma Pat” never missed a moment. She proudly attended every game, concert, recital, and milestone. Her presence was steady, her love boundless, and her pride in her family immeasurable. 

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, and all siblings. Pat’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her daughter Tricia Gundy (Robert) of Osage City, her grandchildren – Dalton, Kaitlin and Carter; and great-grandchildren – Axel, Ace, Delaney, Atlas, Kash and Hallie; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

 A memorial service celebrating Pat’s life will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Reading United Methodist Church. Private inurnment will take place at Reading Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Peterson Assisted Living (Resident Fund) and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. 6th St., Osage City, KS 66523.

 Pat will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, boundless love, and quiet strength—a devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend whose light will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her. For Newspaper: Patsy Lou