Patsy "Pat" Lea Danielson

Patsy Lea “Pat” (Mayers) Danielson passed away peacefully at 4:02 a.m. on June 4, 2025, from complications of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disease. She was surrounded by her family just days before her 78th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, professionalism and humor.

Born in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to Margaret (Battagler) and J.D. Mayers, Pat was raised in nearby Orrick, Missouri with her younger sister Susan (Mayers) Rogers and many cousins, where her early life was shaped by strong values and civic pride. She graduated as valedictorian from Orrick High School, excelling in basketball, band, chorus, journalism, and home economics. She earned her English degree in three years from Central Missouri State College (now the University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg while working and writing for the college newspaper.

Pat began her professional career in Kansas City in 1968 at Poultry and Eggs Marketing and The Packer newspapers. There she met her husband, Larry Danielson, whom she married in 1969. They raised two daughters, Kirsten Rae and Kendra Jae, and moved to Yakima, Washington, in 1974—making it their lifelong home.

Pat worked in legal, banking, and pension administration offices including Velikanje, Moore & Shore, People’s/U.S. Bank and BBM Financial (formerly Beard, Bench & Mendenhall). She was especially proud of rising to the position of Vice President at U.S. Bank, where she was respected for her precision, work ethic, and thoughtful client service.

Pat was a devoted volunteer and a pillar of the Kiwanis Club of Yakima, serving in 1988-89 as the second female president in the club’s history. She was also a long time board member, website editor, and volunteer recruiter. She was a devoted board member of the Yakima Kiwanis Charitable Trust for 10 years. In recognition of her lasting impact, she was awarded the George F. Hixson Fellowship, one of Kiwanis International’s highest honors for distinguished service. She also was a proud member with Beta Sigma Phi sorority and a volunteer board member with the Northwest Campfire Region Board.

As a working mother, Pat was present and dependable. She consistently supported her daughters’ endeavors—volunteering at school, serving as a Blue Bird and Camp Fire leader, drill team chaperone, and team parent for countless softball and volleyball games. She was especially proud to support Team Yakima Volleyball, traveling with the team and encouraging young athletes with quiet confidence and unwavering support.

Pat lived a life of purpose, rooted in family and driven by service. She believed in showing up, doing the work, and giving generously without needing recognition. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the organizations she shaped, and the family she loved.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Fieldstone Orchard West in Yakima, whose compassionate care and support during Pat’s final three years brought comfort, dignity, and connection to her and her loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home in Yakima (902 West Yakima Ave).

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Yakima Kiwanis Charitable Trust, in honor of Pat’s lifelong commitment to community service and 10 year service as a member on the trust board: https://yakimacharitabletrustfoundation.org/

Memories of Pat and condolences to the family may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com

Pat is survived by her husband of 56 years, Larry Danielson; her daughters, Kirsten Danielson Fitterer (Pat) and Kendra Danielson; her sister Susan Rogers (Steve), her cherished grandson, Kellen Stoffer, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.