Patricia A. Rye's Obituary
RYE, Patricia A., age 93, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Patricia attended Belpre High School and graduated from the Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus. She dedicated nearly 30 years to a career in nursing, ultimately serving as a nurse practitioner for the Warren and Montgomery County Health Departments, where she focused much of her time on the Children and Youth Project. Patricia had a deep and abiding faith in God and was a longtime member of Centerville Community Church.
Loving, caring, supportive, and faithful, Patricia was the voice of reason during challenging times. An eternal optimist, she had an unfailingly positive outlook on life. A talented artist and craftsperson, she enjoyed sewing, as well as watercolor and acrylic painting. She was a dedicated volunteer at the annual bazaar at Waynesville United Methodist Church, contributing handmade crafts and her time. Patricia was also an excellent cook—a skill passed down from her mother—and her kitchen was the heart of her home.
As a farmer’s wife, Patricia was the backbone of daily life on the farm. While raising her children, she made it a priority to prepare and deliver a hearty lunch to the fields each day, always insisting the family take a break and gather together. In later years, she and her husband, Earl, enjoyed traveling, taking several Caribbean cruises, road trips out West, and a memorable journey to the Holy Land.
Patricia will be fondly remembered for her unique sense of humor—she always began jokes with the punchline—and for her uplifting spirit. In her honor, we share her favorite reminder: “Always be joyful!”
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl, in 2013; her son, Michael Rye; her parents, Dean and Mamie Welch; and her sister, Janice Weismantel. Patricia is survived by two sons, Mark (Patricia S.) Rye and Matthew (Patricia M.) Rye; four grandchildren, Katie (Jeff) Kaszubowski, Christina (Scott) Teschendorf, Bryan (Jacqui) Ziegler, and Krista (Martin) Borawski; and eleven great-grandchildren: Callie, twins Hailey and Kelsey, Ginny, Ellie, Maya, Camryn, Rowyn, Paxton, Luca, and Adelyn.
Family and friends may visit from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, June 20, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday at the Miami Cemetery Chapel in Corwin, officiated by Kendrick Hirschy. Committal and burial will follow immediately at Miami Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to Centerville Community Church, 10688 Dayton-Lebanon Pike, Centerville, OH 45458.
Condolences may be shared at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?
