Patricia J. Coffey passed away October 10, 2022, surrounded by family at LMH Health. She was born March 19,1961, in Ottawa, KS, to Merle and Maxine Willhite. Patricia was the baby of the family, born the youngest of four daughters.
Patricia grew up in Ottawa, graduating from Ottawa High School in 1979. During school, Patty participated in cheerleading, Cytones, and student council, while also competing on the track and gymnastics teams. Following graduation, Patricia attended Baker University where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. She graduated with a degree in Education, following in the footsteps of her mother and sisters.
Patricia moved to Lawrence in 1984 where she met her husband, Shaun. They married on September 21, 1985, and recently celebrated 37 years of marriage. She is survived by husband Shaun of the home; three children: Christopher Coffey (Natalie) of Lawrence, Patrick Coffey of Bailey, CO, and Elisa Burgoon (Alex), of Lawrence; three grandsons, Jaxen, Ryker, and Baker; and three sisters, Jean Anne Leigh (Tom), Barb Stransky (Frank), and Marcheta Pearson (Rick); in-laws Roger and Deana Coffey; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Patricia was preceded in death by her mother and father.
Patricia’s memorial service will be held Friday, October 21, at First United Methodist, West Campus at 10:00 AM. The visitation will be held Thursday, October 20, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 6-8:00 PM.
Patricia loved her three grandsons more than anything else in this world. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Patty Coffey Grandchildren Educational Fund and sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66049. Condolences may be sent to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home page, rumsey-yost.com
We were so saddened to learn Patty had passed away, leaving many friends and family members who loved her. Our deepest condolences to her family and sisters.
Shaun,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
I worked with Patty at Southwest and she taught my children as well. I loved her as a colleague for her positive attitude and can do spirit and loved her as a teacher for her openness to kids and their needs. I’m glad she was a part of my life there and I know the loss in your lives is immeasurable. Sending you comfort and love. ❤️
So sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. I will remember her smile and since of humor. Prayers to the Coffey family during this sad time.
Dear Shaun and family,
We were so very sorry to hear this news. You have our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.
Shaun,
Sorry for your loss. Patty was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss!!So many great memories at SWest Jr High volleyball!! Hugs to you all!!
Shaun & family. We are heart broken for your loss. Patty was a teacher& coach, Patty wonderful mentor and encourager to her students and family.
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss my condolences to your family. I have many good memories growing up with Patrick and having Mrs. Coffey take us to do things. She was also such an amazing teacher. My prayers go out to your family, may you and her be at peace.
With heaviness in my heart I send condolences to the Coffey family. I can only share from experience, to absolutely lean on God and allow Him to be what He wants for you all, which is better than we can do for ourselves. I know peace and understanding will be evident in your lives because I know God’s ways and love. The prayers of the praying Saints will hold you and keep you as you seek Him for resolution and healing. I send much love to you all.
Shaun I am so so sorry to hear this sad news. I loved Patty and our time together teaching and coaching at Nike in Gardner, Kansas. She was one of the bridesmaids in my wedding. Randy and I are sending hugs and prayers to you and your children. ❤️??
Shaun,. Sorry to hear of your loss. May God give comfort to you and the family.
Sean,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Please remember your City Hall family is here for you too.
Shaun & family,
Sending my condolences on the loss of Patty. I met Patty when she came to the water fitness classes @ OrthoKansas when I was the instructor. She was a kind & friendly person. I fondly remember her talking about how proud she was of Shaun when he became the Lawrence/Douglas County fire chief. She will be missed. Heather Cosman (fellow dog days participant)
Many happy and warm memories of Patty so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Shaun and family we want to send our condolences for the passing of your wife, mother and grandmother. We will continue to pray for God to wrap his arms around all of you as you go thru this terrible loss. Rest in knowing how many lives she blessed.
Dear Shaun, I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you and your family at this difficult time. Cheryl Wagner
Dear Shaun and Patrick, So sorry to hear of your loss. Patty was a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Jim, Diane, and Evan Mielke
Dear Shaun, so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate this difficult time. Cheryl Holcomb
Shaun, so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Thinking and praying for you and families.
So sorry Shaun. I am so grateful I got to see you both recently. Prayers to you and the family.
Shaun and family, so very sorry to receive the news about Patty’s passing. Deepest condolences to you all.
Shaun, we are so very sorry. Please know we are praying for you and your family everyday and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead. I’m glad we got to know her when she taught our sons at Southwest. They thought so highly of her, as did we. May God hold you tightly at this very difficult time. We all send our love to you and Chris and the rest of your family.
I have always respected and admired Patty Coffey as a teaching colleague at South JHS. I am sad for this loss for her family, and I am sad that she will miss wonderful milestones with her children and grandchildren. Her short life made a positive difference to so many.
I am so very sorry to hear about Patty today. So many positive thoughts and prayers for your family. Michele Johnson (Johnnie Appleseed preschool teacher for Elisa and other connections)
Elisa and Family,
I am so sorry about your mom. Know that you are in my prayers. May she rest in peace!