Patsy Jean Guditus

Born July 16, 1933, in Hickman, Kentucky to Roland James Ourso and Mary Amelia Spillers, Patsy spent her childhood in Texas and Louisiana with her mother, stepfather, Henry Lee Leonard, and her brother, Tommy.

Patsy married Edmund Leonard Guditus on September 2, 1950, in La Cruz, New Mexico. As an Army wife, she traveled the country with her husband including two tours living in Germany. Edmund and Patsy retired at Fort Myer Post, ultimately settling in Arlington, Va to raise their family. They welcomed eight children before divorcing in 1979.

As a food clerk for Safeway, she served as Shop Steward for the Local 400 and was on the board of the Safeway Employees Association, working numerous functions throughout her career. Patsy retired in 1998 after 32 years of service.

Patsy was full of life and never relented in devotion to her family and community. She participated as a member and served as president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, an organization focused on fundraising for the women’s shelter and advancing equal rights for women. A true patriot, Patsy stayed involved in politics throughout her life. She was a diehard democrat and often volunteered on election campaigns.

A compassionate soul, Patsy was active in volunteering both at work and in her community. She was a leader for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. She helped raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy, answering phones for the Jerry Lewis Telethon. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels through St. James Catholic Church.

Not one to rest, Patsy left the laidback pace of retirement and jumped back into work alongside her daughter, Carol, owner of Galleria Florist. Gardening was her passion, just after her love of God and devotion to her family.

She will be remembered for her grace, kindness, loving spirit, and as a faithful believer in our Lord Jesus. The twinkle she carried in her eyes and her genuine smile will never fade from the memories of those around her.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather; her sister, Betty Jo Richardson; her brother, Tommy Clay Leonard; and her son, David Paul Guditus.

Her frequent declarations of “love you more” and “just love” will be cherished forever by her family and loved ones. Patsy is survived by her children, Carol Beales (Mark), Cynthia Guditus (Tom Cheeley), Lynda Guditus Williamson (John), Patty Loveless (John), Jeannie Minyard (David), Mark Guditus (Pearl) and Michael Guditus (Angie); her nine grandchildren, Jennifer Bauserman (Russ), Jamie Trumble (Mandy McManaway), Noah Minyard, Monica Minyard, Erich Minyard, Jonathan Loveless (Brigitte), Kyle Loveless, Casey Guditus (Colin Vaughn) and Kevin Guditus; her four great-grandchildren, Heather Trumble, Sarah Mascho (Ross), Jordan Tenneson and Austin Weekes; and her many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Murphy’s Funeral Home located at 1102 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. A remembrance will be held Monday, September 15, 2025, at 9:00 am and followed by interment at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.

In honor of Patsy Jean Guditus's generous spirit and lifelong dedication to helping others, the family invites you to consider a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made to Hospice of Arlington, Arlington Meals on Wheels, the American Legion, or Doorways Family Shelter—organizations that reflect the values and compassion Patsy lived by every day. Your support will continue her legacy of service, kindness, and community care.