Patricia was born on November 7, 1938 in Ottumwa, Iowa to William and Mary Harness. She attended Ottumwa High School and Parsons College.
In 1958, Patricia married David Reed Henson. In 1960, David moved to Anchorage, AK for his military service. In 1961, Patricia joined him with their son, David Michael. After David’s service, they returned to West Des Moines, IA where their son, Patrick John, was born.
Patricia enjoyed giving to the community through her various efforts. She started volunteering with the Blank Park Zoo in 1985 in various leadership roles. She was also President of the Des Moines Women’s Club. She was involved in the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and she had a love for supporting the Arts.
Patricia is survived by her sons, David and Patrick; sister-in-law, Diana Henson; niece Kelli (Brad) Ryckman and their sons Wyatt and Zach; brother, Bill (Carolyn) Harness; nephews, Matthew (Jenny) and Michael (Elana), and great nephew and niece, Lucas and Alexis.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mary Harness, her husband, David Reed Henson and sister-in-law Linda.
Memorial contributions may be made out to Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Women’s Club, and independent theatre groups in Des Moines.
