I was Pat’s Vice President of the Nebraska State 
Education Association.

I was saddened to find out today that Pat is no longer with us.  I shared a college apartment with her in Cranford Place across the street from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley in 1970.  Her grand piano was in our living room. We both had Ford Mustangs, but hers was a flashy convertible while mine was a coupe.  After graduation, I lived with her for a while in Gering, Nebraska where she was teaching.  We were Alpha Delta Pi sorority sisters, and she was one of the two bridesmaids in my wedding in Texas in 1972.  She was a level-headed, fun gal. I don't think we ever had a single disagreement, and I respected her immensely. I lost track of Pat over the years but found her on Facebook last October. After all these years, she was as gracious as ever. She wrote a sweet note, saying she had a very good life.  A sorority reunion was held last weekend, and Pat was mentioned several times with affection.  We commented that we needed her at the next reunion for her talent at leading us in singing our old sorority songs.  I hope she was looking down on us and smiling, strumming her guitar.

I met Pat at my bookstore, as she was a frequent customer. She always had a smile for me and was always wonderful, upbeat, and great to be around. Her warmth of spirit was infectious and very welcome. We all miss her very much.

Pat and I taught together in Gering and it was one of my first years of teaching.  She mentored me through this year and always was available to 'just listen'.  She was a fierce advocate for students and their right to learn.   The world will miss your laugh.

Our prayers go out to Pat's family and friends. Brian taught with Pat in Gering. We loved listening to her play her grand piano for us; she was such a talented lady. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 
Brian and Karyn Grasmick

It was fun coming to work in the St. Clair UniServ office because I knew Pat wanted to assist and guide the leadership in the schools that she covered.  She also was anxious to teach new methods of presenting slide shows and informational documents to all who needed her expertise, mainly me!  Her knowledge was only surpassed by her sense of humor which came in handy so many times in our office.  I just learned of her passing and will be with her family and friends - in spirit - on the 19th.  She was so special.

It was our pleasure to know Pat.  We had enjoyable visits with her and appreciated her wisdom, humor and generous nature.  This special lady will be missed.  Gary and Marge Jackson

Pat gave me some great ideas for holiday music when I started an all-staff choir at MEA-MESSA-MEA-FS. She was so excited to talk about music and all the great songs to choose from - she just lit up! I'll miss her passion and dedication in all she did.

A dear friend for over 30 years, Pat and I met in Gering, NE. as she played Scott Joplin music on her grand piano in her living room. 
As well as being a music teacher, Pat served on the board of directors of Oregon Trail Days, Gering's community celebration, as secretary for many years and again sang publicly to the crowds strumming her guitar during the celebration in July. We all encouraged her to seek election to the NE association and saw her go on to work and live in Michigan. Pat was unique, solid, and good friend over the years.  RIP buddy ....

Pat was always such a special person.  She always appreciated everything and that made my job easier.  She was brave, courageous person.  She will be greatly missed as she was deeply loved by many. RIP Pat.  Dana

Part and I have worked together for years. She encouraged me to come tto Michigan from Nebraska. I worked on election her as NSEA President. She was a great leader. She continued  to lead wherever she worked. I could always count on Pat to give the best advice, whether personal or technical. She was truly one of the best friends I've ever had and always so positive and upbeat. I only wish I  can live up to her standards. She always had such high ideals. I will truly miss her every day!

I will miss Pat's upbeat attitude, her smile and her great hugs!  She truly was one of a kind!  Our union sister will be missed!

Pat! Pat! Pat! The nicest and funniest person I ever met.  Not afraid to speak her mind.  I'll miss that.  I'll also miss her gardening advice and help with my knitting mess-ups. I'll miss her tea and good conversation.  She truly was our condo mother as somebody suggested.  I'll miss her wisdom.  If there was a way around something or a loop hole, Pat knew how to get through it.  Most of all she made us laugh. R.I.P Pat.

My condolences to Pat's family and friends.  She will be missed but the fond memories remain.  My wife and I were glad to got to see and visit with her in July.  She was a great colleague and leader during her time in association work in Nebraska.

Ron Goldenstein
Nebraska State Education Association

Pat was a very spiritual person.  I remember having several conversations with her when my mother was diagnosed with dementia and her offering prayer from her "prayer circle" who was also praying for her mother,  suffering from alzheimers at the time,  She was a caring and encouraging colleague.  RIP courageous lady.

Pat, Mary Anne Adams and I were all hired by MEA on the same day.  Pat had a wonderful sense of humor and was always quick with a quip.  She was truly an asset to MEA.

Pat was a wonderful, generous woman and the best neighbor in the world!  I certainly benefited from two of her loves: gardening and pets!  She made our front lawn beautiful, and loved to cat-sit when I was away.  We also had a mutual fear of bats, and took turns being the strong one when they invaded our homes. Carriage Hills just won't be the same without our condo mom there to hold it together.

I worked with Pat for the last 10 years of her career at the MEA. One thing she would always say when you asked her how she was doing was, "I'm not bad, for an old lady," no matter how many times I told her she wasn't old. She encouraged learning and motivated us to produce excellent work. Later, we became good friends and talked frequently about sewing, knitting and life. I will never forget the kindness and valuable advice I received from her. She is missed.

Pat was the type of person you just liked and enjoyed being around. She will be missed greatly. My prayers are with the family.

I worked with Pat at the Michigan Education Association.  She was well like and very good at what she did.  She will be missed. My prayers are with you, the family.

I was Pat Richey's VP 1986-1988.  We spent many an hour, many a mile, traveling together throughout Nebraska and the nation attending NSEA and NEA functions.  She came out of the Panhandle with little experience in Association work, but quickly demonstrated a deep understanding of the processes of leadership.  I was amazed at how well, how easily she worked with the staff and the membership in negotiations and all Association activities.  My son Tim had met her several times and often asked about her,  I am currently visiting him in his home in Albany, Oregon. Rather eerily now, Tim and I were just reminiscing about her yesterday.   --Tom Black, retired NSEA/NEA and NSEA-Retired/NEA-Retired leader.

I worked with Pat when she taught in Gering.  What a talented and wonderful person she was.

As we wait for serenity and understanding of God's holy will, may you be comforted to know we share in the loss of your Sister and our friend, Pat.

Our deepest and extended sympathy, love and thoughts to all of you at this time. 

The Schrauben's
Gene and Donna
(Co-Worker and friend)

Pat was a good friend with a great heart.  I got to visit with her for a short time about a month ago and she was still upbeat.  I will miss her.

Pat was always a down-to-earth person and remembered and was friendly to everyone.  She was always upbeat and interested in what a person had to say.  She will be missed.

I worked with Pat in UniServ at the MEA back in 1998 and 1999. What I loved about Pat was her heart. She really cared about what she was doing and everyone around her.  I will always cherish her words of advice--and her macaroni and cheese recipe!!  Pat and her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

OBITUARIO

Patsy "Pat" Arlene Richey

6 marzo, 1949 – 21 diciembre, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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