In Remembrance Of
Patti (Wedermyer) Gray
Patti Lynn (Wedermyer) Gray was born to a farming family in WaKeeney, Kansas, on October 21, 1952.
From the beginning of her life, Patti was joyful and musical, a born rule-follower and lover of order, but she also had a playful rebelliousness. She was the oldest of her siblings and cousins, who adored her, and she was the ringleader of a lot of fun.
Patti’s young adulthood was full of adventures. She worked as a bartender and though she was petite, she challenged customers to games of pool that she always won and occasionally did things her parents only found out about later.
Patti started her education in the same one-room country school her mother, Kathryn, had attended, then went to high school in town, then to college. After Patti graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree, she taught in Oakley, Kansas where she met Curtis Gray, and they fell in love. They married September 8, 1979, and in May of 1981, their first and only child, Traci, was born and they shared many precious moments together as a young family.
Patti was determined, after the end of her marriage, to build a life she wanted for her and her daughter. She enrolled in graduate school at Fort Hays, and kept working. Her village surrounded her to help take care of Traci. Patti earned her master’s degree in education in 1987, moved herself and Traci to Sabetha, and embarked on a career as a teacher of gifted children in all grades. She thrived in this role, tailoring projects to each child’s needs. Patti worked in Sabetha and surrounding schools for 22 years, retiring in2009, and she kept in touch with many of her students long after they finished school.
Patti and Traci enjoyed a home filled with music, be it on the radio, piano, guitar, or just their two voices harmonizing together. Patti loved scrapbooking, quilting, reading, and spending time in one of her many side hustles she used to stay active and support her family.
After retirement, Patti moved to Prairie Village, Kansas, to be near her grandchildren. Her empathy and appreciation for children made her an excellent GiGi. She was wonderfully intentional with each of her grandchildren and the many other special children in her life. While in Kansas City, she sang with the Kansas City Women’s Chorus, and joined the New Song Church. There, Patti found her people: a group of women who put up with no nonsense and who loved music and fun as much as she did.
As the years went by, Patti lived out her deep love for others. She used her freedom in retirement to care for numerous family members and loved ones in their times of need. Even through her illness, Patti made time for fun, family holidays, and special events. Patti was always thinking of others, even in her hardest moments. She continued creating smiles through the very end.
Patti had her way of how things should go, always.
Patti Wedermyer Gray died on the morning of September 7, 2021. She is survived by her mother, Kathryn Wedermyer, of Goodland, Kansas; brother, Doug Wedermyer and wife, Sandy, of WaKeeney, Kansas; brother, David Wedermyer and wife, Laura, of Olathe, Kansas; daughter, Traci Gray Ketter, and husband, Jason, and their children, Simon, Miles, Amelia, and Ella, of Parkville, Missouri; and numerous beloved cousins, who were all her best friends. Patti was preceded in death by her sister, Vicki Wedermyer, and by her father, James Wedermyer.
The Ketters will host local friends and family at their home in Parkville on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
There will be a graveside service in WaKeeney on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the WaKeeney City Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the Presbyterian Church in WaKeeney
Share on Social
Service Details
Comments & condolences
15 comments
Sheryl M Bell
As a Song Sister in KC Women’s Chorus, I give my heartfelt condolences to Patti’s friends and family. Her voice and love will be missed!
Suzanne Thomas
Peace and prayers for all of Patti’s family. She was my going out to eat buddy. We liked going to Culver’s to get the kids meal. You got a coupon for one scoop of flavor of the day custard or chocolate/vanilla custard with one topping. Her favorite was to get vanilla and make a root beer float.
Joy Klitzke Madde
Patty and I had a lot of good times driving back and forth to Colby Juco in Famny, her little red falcon…Very special lady
Barbara DeMack
So sorry for your loss. I will miss her!
Jan Brooks
Patti was such a special lady and friend. She loved being Gigi, making time with each of her grandchildren. Patti enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, music and so much more. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family during this difficult time. I know she Is at peace now, but Patti you will be missed. Love you friend. Jan
Jan Brooks
Patti was such a special lady and friend. She loved being Gigi, making time with each of her grandchildren. Patti enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, music and so much more. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family during this difficult time. I know she Is at peace now, but Patti you will be missed. Love you friend. Jan
Jane Bartlett
Youe words capture that delightfully precious spirit that Patti exuded from every inch and every pore of her lovely person. That she joined us at New Song and loved us and shared her talents and faith with us helped us all to grow and be better people. You earned your wings long before you received them, Patti girl. Put in a good word for us all.
We love you and will miss you deeply.
Guy and Lisa Geeseka
Our condolences to the family at this time.
Caroline (meyer) Mans
So sorry to see of the death of Patti. she was a good person. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Helen Tinkler
Your kindness and caring will live on through all who were fortunate enough to have met you, Patti. I will miss you.
Dorothy Malsom
I am so sadden to hear this.I haven’t seen Patti for several years but we had a blast in high school. Prayers for her daughter and family, and for the rest of her family.
Sue sunnenberg
So sorry to hear of Patty’s passing, she was a wonderful woman and will be missed by many.
Prayers of peace and condolence to those who loved her. ✝️
Lorinda Strahm
I’m shocked and saddened to hear this news! I enjoyed working with Patti for many years! Prayers for Traci and family!
Mette Kramer
So very sorry for your loss Traci. Our condolences to you and your family.
Elaine Garber
So sorry to hear this news. I worked many years with Patti and she will be missed. Sending my condolences and prayers!