Patricia Alice (Thomas) Hayward

Patricia (Pat) Alice Hayward, born November 15, 1938, passed away peacefully March 2, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Missouri, Patricia was the beloved first child on both sides of her family, a role that shaped her deep connection to her loved ones and the traditions she cherished throughout her life. From an early age, faith was an important part of Patricia’s life. She was baptized as an infant at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed Church, later St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, where she was confirmed in 1951 and remained a devoted member until the church’s closure in 2016. Church attendance was always a meaningful family event and Patricia's teenage years were enriched by active participation in the church's youth fellowship. Patricia’s education all occurred in Kansas City, Missouri beginning at Meservey Elementary, continuing at Central Junior High, and culminating in her graduation from Central Senior High in 1956. After graduation she embarked on a career as a bank teller, a role she held with pride. During her single years she embraced her independence, purchasing her first car, a 1957 Chevrolet Impala Coupe, and developing a keen sense of fashion. In 1963 she married Fred Lowmiller and began devoting her life entirely to her marriage and family. Together, they welcomed two children, Eric in 1968 and Andrea in 1973, Eric was the first grandchild on both sides of the family so his birth of course was a very exciting event. Patricia enjoyed motherhood and prided herself in being a meticulous homemaker, a talented cook, and an active participant in her children's lives, including their school activities and PTA events. The family enjoyed many trips across the United States, creating memories that would last a lifetime. After Andrea's birth Patricia dabbled in sewing and created many outfits for her "little girl". In 1986 she married Thomas Hayward, with whom she shared nearly three decades of love and adventure until his passing in 2014. Together, Patricia and Tom were avid NASCAR fans, attending races across the country, and bonded over their shared love of country music and dancing, often traveling to see their favorite artists perform live. Patricia was a car enthusiast and purchased in 1999 a brand new red 2000 Ford Escort which she drove and maintained until her passing. Patricia had an appreciation for the past and a love for nostalgia, which she expressed through frequent visits to antique stores, where she enjoyed reminiscing about the familiar treasures of her youth. She also took great joy in collecting miniature tea sets and China dolls, each piece a reflection of her eye for beauty and sentimentality. Above all, Patricia’s greatest passion was her family. She made it a priority to attend family gatherings and was deeply invested in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews. A faithful sender of greeting cards, she rarely missed acknowledging birthdays, anniversaries, and special milestones. She was an adored grandmother and an enthusiastic great-grandmother, cherishing every opportunity to spend time with her growing family. With her loved ones remaining close to home in and around Blue Springs, Patricia was a constant and beloved presence in their lives. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Wright and Dorothy Thomas, her sister-in-law Ginny and her loving husband of 27 years Tom. She is survived by her sister Judy (Clyde), her brother David, her son Eric (Frankie), her daughter Andrea, her grandsons Ryker (Renae) and Logan, and her granddaughters Erica, Megan (Bryant), Teagan and Morgan. She is also survived by her great granddaughters Quinnlee, Oaklee, Avery. Also surviving are her step children Tamara, Christopher, and Angela and their children. Patricia also had many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins who will miss her as well. Patricia’s legacy is one of love, faith, and devotion—to her family and the simple joys that made life special. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those whose lives she touched. A Celebration of Life gathering will by held April 12, 2025 from 1-3 at the Disabled American Veterans (14605 E US Highway 40 Kansas City, MO 64136). Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. (Found on a tombstone in Ireland)

Patricia Alice (Thomas) Hayward

November 15, 1938 - March 2, 2025