HURON — Patricia “Patsy” Mavity, age 81, of Huron, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Avera Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls.
Her funeral service is 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 4, at the Riverview United Methodist Church. Burial is in the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, at Kuhler Funeral Home, with family present during that time.
Memorials may be directed to the Riverview United Methodist Church.
Patricia Ann Cowger, the daughter of Henry and Mary “May” (Bridge) Ridenour was born December 20, 1942, in Kokomo, Ind. After her mother’s death, she was adopted by Frank and Ethel M. (Bridge) Cowger. She grew up in the Sitka, Ind., area, where she received her education. In 1960, Patsy graduated from Buffalo High School.
She was raised and confirmed in the Pike Creek Brethren Church in Monticello, Ind..
On June 5, 1960, Patsy married Paul G. Mavity in Monticello.
Her early working years included cleaning homes for others. When the couple was blessed with children; Steven and Jacqueline, she then was promoted to Stay-at-Home Mom, managing the family farm and her family’s activities.
While living in Indiana, Patsy was active in 4-H with her children. She served as 4-H leader and judge. She also served on the County 4-H boards and committees. After her children reached high school age, Patsy worked at Harrison High School as a cook in West Lafeyette, Ind..
When the family moved to Huron, Patsy obtained her certification in food service and worked in various schools within the Huron School District. After her retirement, she volunteered for 7 years as a “pink lady” with the Huron Regional Medical Center.
Patsy was very active in the Huron community, by serving on the YWCA board, the Huron Area Senior Center board, Buchanan House board, Red Cross board, and was part of the Spirit of South Dakota Ceremony committee.
She was also an active member of Riverview United Methodist Church for 45 years, where she served on numerous committees and boards for the church. Patsy chaired the funeral lunch committee for many years.
Family was most important to Patsy, and she followed her grandkid’s and great-grandkid’s many activities, traveling the nation to enjoy watching their pursuits. She also cherished her many friendships, traveling and spending time with them. In her free time, Patsy enjoyed scrapbooking and card making with her friends.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 56 years, Paul; and one grandson, Branden Bartel.
Grateful for having shared in her life are her son, Steve (Linda) Mavity of Munster, Ind.; her daughter, Jaci Bartel (Gary McLemore) of Indianapolis, Ind.; four grandchildren, Micheal Mavity of St. Louis, Mo., Matthew Mavity of Munster, Ind., Sara Mavity (Alex Weakland) of Simpsonville, S.C. and Mallory (Guy) Earley of Mitchell; four great-grandchildren, Dontaevian, Denaesia, Daekari and Daeshaun, all of Mitchell.
Patsy is also survived by her sister, Dorothy “Dot” (Del) Littrell of Arizona; her sister-in-law, Nancy (Pete) McIntosh of Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.
