PATRICIA ANN "PAT" HALEY-WASHBURN , born on June 4, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, at Lincoln Park Manor in Lincoln, Kansas with her daughter Mary by her side. Pat was the daughter of Glenn Howard and Florence Carol {Hansen} Haley. Shortly after her birth, she truly was a Miracle baby weighing only 2 lbs when she was born, her family relocated to Wichita, Kansas, where she grew up surrounded by love and community. A spirited and determined young woman, Pat attended West High, where she was part of the first graduating class of 1965. Her time there was filled with cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

In 1974, Pat married Gary Washburn, and together they welcomed two children into their world—Merl and Mary—who became the heart of Pat's universe. Family was everything to Pat, and she poured her heart into raising her children, teaching them the values of kindness, hard work, perseverance and compassion.

Pat's nature as a caregiver was evident throughout her life. For nearly three decades, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), dedicating herself to the well-being of others. Her kindness, strength, and resilience touched the lives of so many during her years in healthcare. However, as much as Pat loved her work, there was a greater calling that came later in life—the role of "Nana Pat."

When her grandchildren, Peyton and Chase, were born, Pat moved to Lincoln to be closer to her daughter, Mary, and her family. Becoming a grandmother was one of Pat's greatest joys. She embraced her role with enthusiasm, sharing her time, love, and wisdom with her grandchildren. She adored watching their sports activities, attending every game and dance performance and school program that she could, cheering them on with pride. Her family was her world, and she never missed an opportunity to be there for them.

Pat had a deep love for nature and was an avid gardener. With her natural green thumb, she nurtured her garden with the same care she gave her family and friends. Her plants flourished under her tender touch, and her garden was a reflection of her love for life. Whether it was flowers or vegetables, Pat had a special connection to the earth, making her a true horticulturist at heart.

In addition to her garden, Pat found joy in cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. She was known for her delicious meals, cooked with love, that brought her family together around the table. And, of course, Pat enjoyed watching Sooner football. She never missed watching a game, cheering on her favorite team with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything she did in life.

Pat was a selfless woman built with strength and determination. She was strong-willed and sometimes stubborn, but her heart was always full of love. She was there for her family, her friends, and anyone in need. Her warmth, sense of humor, laugh and her smile and unwavering devotion will be remembered by all who knew her.

Pat is survived by her son Merl Washburn and his wife Michelle of Houston, her daughter Mary Nielsen and her husband Carl of Sylvan Grove, and her cherished grandchildren, Peyton and Chase Nielsen. She also leaves behind her brothers Ron Pitts(Mary) and Sam Haley(Cindy Armstrong), her sisters Rebecca Cavender(Pat) and Diane Kuhn, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Florence, and many beloved pets, especially her last furbaby, Boomer.

As we celebrate the life of Patricia Ann "Pat" Washburn, we remember a woman who lived her life with love, care, and devotion to her family and others. Her legacy of kindness and her gentle spirit will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched.

Service will be October 25 at 2:00pm at Lakeview Cemetary located at 12100 E 13TH ST N, Wichita, KS, 67206.