Patricia Ann Retherford

Pat was born in Mt. Sterling, OH to Juanita and Oscar Dials. She grew up on a farm with her two sisters, Norma and Marge, and like them, remained deeply devoted to their parents—staying closely connected with almost daily contact, celebrating every milestone, and quietly caring for them with her signature tenderness and kindness in their later years. In 1961, Pat married Ed Retherford, and together they built a loving family with their sons, Mark and Paul, and later grandchildren, Bode and Kate, filling their six decades of marriage with camping adventures and fun on the water—boating and skiing across the lakes of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Pat was part of the final class to graduate Midway High School before moving to Athens to attend Ohio University. There she studied education and met 5 lifelong friends. This special friend group and their families would meet yearly for the next 55 years, until health issues put a pause on the annual event. It was at OU that she joined the United Methodist Women, forging a lifelong commitment to living her faith. Pat was a member of Newburgh United Methodist church for 50 years, where she taught Sunday School, participated in multiple mission trips, served on committees and organized visitations for shut-ins, funeral dinners and prayer groups. She had a true servant’s heart, always giving her time and energy to support others in both her church and wider community.

She taught 1st and 2nd grade, taking time off to raise her two sons, before returning to teaching. Mothering was the most profound way Pat expressed her love; her choices were shaped by unwavering values and a steady commitment to Mark’s and Paul’s well-being. She parented with an intuition that honored each son’s individuality. From sledding down a hill with Mark while nine months pregnant, to running onto the soccer field to hug Paul, to tearing up during a dinner prayer, and countless other acts of support and love, Pat showed up for her children fully.

She attended evening class while teaching and received her Masters degree in Education before settling at Sharon elementary school, where she formed lasting friendships with fellow teachers and administrators. Through Pat’s 80’s it was not uncommon for a former student to recognize her in the community and express thanks.

Pat’s great nieces, great nephew, and grandchildren were the joy and light of her retirement years. There was a special brightness in Pat’s presence whenever she was with Bode and Kate. As she did so naturally for all she loved, Pat gave her grandchildren the gift of wholehearted, unconditional love. Whether planning summer family adventures, or savoring everyday delights—reading to them, playing games, baking, exploring the outdoors, sending thoughtful notes between visits, or remembering all the details of their interests and cares—She absolutely loved spending time with them.

Pat was adventurous, well into her 70s and early 80s; visiting Israel, expanding her gardens, planning multiple cruises with family and friends, riding on a motorcycle, and tubing on Lake Cumberland with her grandchildren.

We would like to recognize her beloved daughter-in-law, Ann Retherford, and the many caregivers who worked with Pat and Ed in their later years: Home Instead, Primrose Newburgh, and Deaconess Hospice. Your kindness and caring were an amazing gift to our family.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed, and sister, Norma Morris. She is survived by her sister, Marge Murphy (Jim); sons, Mark (Ann) and Paul (Laura); grandchildren, Bode and Kate; nieces, KrisTerry (Roger), Shawna Brandes (Mike), Fawna Martin (Tom) and Holly Ramey; and nephew, Chris Retherford (Rachel).

Visitation will be held at Alexander Funeral Home Newburgh Chapel on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Newburgh United Methodist Church, Parkinson’s support Evansville (https://pdevvhub.org/), or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com