Patricia “Pat” Katherine Jones, 92, of Gardner, KS, passed away peacefully at her home on July 15, 2022. Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Tues., July 19, 2022 at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 555 W. Main, Gardner, KS. Rosary precedes at 10:30 am.  Private family burial follows the service at Gardner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Gardner, KS, Chestnut Theater, Olathe, KS or Catholic Charities. Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111.

Patricia Katherine Jones was born July 13, 1930 on the South Side of Chicago, IL to William and Catherine (O’Keefe) Cook. She was the youngest of three children.  Pat graduated from St. Casimir High School, Chicago, in 1948.  Pat worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a secretary, in downtown Chicago.  During this time, she and her friends had fun listening to big band music. While Pat liked the music, she loved dancing to it and would go dancing as often as her parents allowed.  Dancing was her first of many passions.  It was during this time, in the late 1940s, she met the love of her life, Dan Jones.  Dan also loved big band music, but to Pats chagrin, wanted no part in dancing to it.  Years later, Pat recalled after meeting Dan that he was so handsome, liked the same music and was more mature and respectful than other guys his age.

Pat and Dan were married on October 13, 1951, in Chicago.  A year later, Kathy was born.  After serving two years in the Army, Dan returned to Chicago and they decided to move to Gardner, KS where Pat’s brother, Jim Cook and his wife Marion were raising their family.  Over the next eight years, Pat and Dan would have four more children: Mike, Eileen, Karen and Barbara.

When Pat wasn’t busy around the house and chasing after their five kids, she loved to read books, mostly mysteries written by Agatha Christie.  This surely helped develop her razor-sharp intuition, which came in handy solving all the “whodunnits” amongst her five kids!  Pat also loved playing bridge and belonged to several bridge groups as well as book clubs and potluck groups over the years.  Pat loved hosting all kinds of parties and get togethers.  Her parties were always a big hit.  She went to great lengths to make sure everyone had a great time.  She once turned their basement into an Irish pub (complete with Irish band) for St. Patrick’s Day.  She also loved hosting pool parties.  Pat was a room mother to all five of her children and received an award in recognition of her service.

Pat (and Dan) were longtime members of Sacred Heart Parish (now Divine Mercy Parish) in Gardner.  Pat leaned on her Catholic faith during any hardships, attending countless rosaries and lighting prayer candles in the church when a family member or friend needed it.  Pat was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and volunteered for many events--decorating the church for Easter and Christmas, working at the fall craft fair serving food or at the craft house, working funeral dinners, whatever was needed.

Pat was full blooded Irish and proud of it.  She was full of mischief, laughter and superstitions.  Pat loved Irish music and could recite lyrics to old songs well into her late 80’s.  Her favorite Irish movie was “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Pat was an avid KC area sports fan.  Pat would often get so anxious during close games, she had to leave the room to cool off!  Fortunately, Pat was able to see her Chiefs, Jayhawks and Royals win championships in recent years.

Pat worked for several years at the Gardner News, then for Continental Telephone in Gardner.  After her retirement, Pat worked as a bookkeeper for Leo DeBrabander Foundation company for many years.  Pat and Dan traveled together to many countries in Europe.  They snorkeled in the Caribbean, took cruises, skied in Colorado and traveled to many parts of the western and southwestern parts of the US.

Having her four grandkids visit was always a treat for her and Dan, especially in the summer where they could enjoy the backyard pool and the Johnson County Fair.  It was also a good time for her to show off her talents in the kitchen.  Always a good cook, Pat was a great baker and was famously known for her homemade cinnamon rolls. Of all her interests and passions, nothing was more important to Pat than her husband and family.  Pat had a fierce love and loyalty for always putting her husband and family first before her own needs.  This virtue would be the trademark of her character throughout her entire life.  Even as dementia began to take away some of her mental abilities, it was no match for her will to live, her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.  Her Irish eyes smiling to the end.  We were so blessed to have such a loving and wonderful mother.

The family would like to thank her wonderful caregiver, Shandala Alfrey.  The genuine love, care and commitment she devoted to our mom was priceless.  We also want to thank her niece Maureen Kratzer for always being there when needed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Jim and wife Marion and Bill and wife Adrienne Cook; husband Dan and son-in-law James Chesus.  Pat is survived by her children: Kathy Chesus, Ben Lomond, CA, Mike (Sue) Jones, Watsonville, CA, Eileen Jones, Fairway, KS, Karen (Leo) DeBrabander, Olathe, KS, Barb (Bruce) Wilmot, Gladstone, MO; sister-in-law Nancy Cook Westcott, Lenexa, KS; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; many nieces and nephews and extended family in the Chicago area.

Livestream link for the service: https://www.facebook.com/divinemercyks/