Patricia Ann Orndorff was surrounded by family and friends when she passed away on October 11, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas.
She was born in Princeton, Missouri to Omar Clate Duble and Rosalie Wyatt (Pickett) on August 3, 1938. Pat was introduced to faith and the Methodist church at a young age, attending services alongside her mother. Her early dedication never wavered, earning her 15 consecutive years of perfect Sunday school attendance. During her high school years, she paired her interest for learning with an active student life, participating in chorus, theater, volleyball, cheerleading and the Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
She met and fell in love with Jim Orndorff after he returned from the Korean War. True to her practical and determined nature, Pat insisted they work and save enough to afford a proper honeymoon before tying the knot. She took a job for four months as a clerk-typist with the Farmers Home Administration, helping to pay for their road trip to the Gulf Coast. They were married on February 10, 1957.
Soon after their honeymoon, Pat joined Jim in St. Charles, Missouri, to start their life together. They built a life filled with new friends and enjoyed playing card games and waterskiing on the Missouri River. Their community grew even closer when Pat’s sister, Barbara, and her husband, Jerry Cunningham, moved nearby. The two families supported one another and shared many family gatherings. There were also frequent trips to Kansas City to visit Pat’s youngest sister Betty and other family members.
Pat dedicated 25 years of service working as a civilian for the Department of the Army in St. Louis. While her career was important to her, family always came first and she arranged to take some years off when her children were young.
Upon her retirement in 1994, she and Jim traveled across the United States exploring major cities and national parks. They held a special fondness for the Gulf Coast, frequently returning there to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
Always eager for new friendships and experiences, Pat joined a local woodcarving group and became a fan of The Ambassadors of Harmony, a men’s a cappella chorus. She frequently attended practice sessions and was always encouraging others to join her in the audience. She even experienced a taste of moviemaking, appearing as a local extra in the film She Stood Alone.
Pat found great friendships and joy as an active, long-time member of Faith United Methodist Church. She attended Sunday school classes, helped prepare food for the annual community Thanksgiving meal and led the 55ers Club.
She possessed a natural ability to connect with anyone, effortlessly getting people to share their personal story. While Pat was warm and engaging, she could be equally fierce when confronting unfairness. With determination and a healthy dose of sass, she was always willing to take on a challenge.
After 62 years in St. Charles, Pat and Jim moved to Overland Park, Kansas, in 2019 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. There, she continued her lifelong faith by attending the Church of the Resurrection with her family.
She had a strong appreciation for good food, particularly BBQ brisket, and a legendary sweet tooth. Salted caramel ice cream and treats from Sucrose Bakery in St. Charles were her absolute favorites. If a meal wasn't quite tasty enough, she was always prepared with a few packets of sugar she kept tucked away.
Later in life, Pat discovered a new artistic outlet through arts and crafts, enthusiastically learning and creating alongside friends. Floral arranging became another favorite activity she quickly embraced. Combining a lifelong joy of gardening with a keen sense for order, Pat was the community's self-appointed plant caretaker, ensuring every flower looked its best.
Above all, Pat remained energized by people - cultivating meaningful relationships throughout her life. Her honest quips and comments, occasionally delivered with a touch of sarcasm, were appreciated by those who knew her well.
As with all of us, things were not always perfect or exactly to her preferences. However, she would often pause, reflect on her journey with Jim, her family, and her friends and remind those around her: “You know, we have a lot to be thankful for.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Barbara.
She is survived by her sister Betty (Wes) Parkhurst of Naples, Florida; daughter Kim (Gary) Schnettgoecke; and son Mike (Rhonda) Orndorff residing in Overland Park, KS. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Lauren, Kate, Grant, Kayla, Kelsey and a great-granddaughter: Blair.
We will celebrate Pat’s life on November 7th at 3:00 pm in the Wesley Chapel at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. Friends and family are welcome to join us for light refreshments and the sharing of memories at the church right after the service. She will be inurned at a later date with her husband at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Pat and Jim had a shared affection for Fluffy, their first family cat, as well as all the pets they welcomed into their home over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Always and Furever at 23595 W. 223rd St, Spring Hill, KS 66083. https://www.alwaysandfurever.org/donate/
