Sara Patricia VanPelt (87) passed peacefully on January 3, 2025, surrounded by family in Medford, OR.

Pat was born November 3, 1937 to Sarah R Groom and Eugene F Allison in Kansas City, Mo-joining siblings Anna Beatrice and David Eugene. Throughout her childhood she lived in Gower, Chillicothe and Jefferson City, MO.

She graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1955, then attended Central Missouri State University where she graduated in three years with a degree in elementary education in 1958. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and a majorette.

On March 29,1958 she married Bill D. VanPelt. During the first year and a half of their marriage the couple resided in Alexandria, VA while Bill was in the service. They then moved to Lee’s Summit, MO where they lived for forty-eight years before moving to Medford, OR.

Pat was a passionate teacher for thirty years. She earned her Masters of Arts in teaching from Webster University in 1986 after taking several years to stay at home raising her children. She continued to take classes & courses throughout her teaching career, always striving to learn more and better herself. In addition to teaching, she loved reading, music, spending time with family and her church. She was also a devoted night owl!

Throughout her lifetime, Pat and her smile touched the lives of so many. She was a loving, compassionate and devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grammy, aunt, teacher, friend and servant of God. Of all her various roles, being a Grammy was the one she held dearest. She will be missed by all.

Pat leaves behind her husband Bill of almost 67 years, her son Pete (with wife Sherry and son Evan), and daughter Susan Walker (with husband David and children Connor & Mackenzie). She lives on in the lessons she taught by example: to live life to the fullest, love unconditionally, use correct grammar and never stop learning.

Graveside service planned at the end of May in Kansas City, MO.