Patty Lou Wagoner

With deep love and cherished memories, the family of Patty Lou Wagoner announces her passing on July 7, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on February 9, 1938, on the family farm in McDonald, Kansas, to Laurel and Maudie Kelley. Pat lived a remarkable life defined by strength, humor, and a boundless heart for others.

In high school, Pat was a cheerleader, full of spirit and spark. She attended Fort Hays State University for one year to become a nurse. After leaving college she worked for the government in the draft office. On January 25, 1958, she married the love of her life, Charles Wagoner. Together they built a beautiful life filled with hard work, laughter, and love, raising two children, Michael and Michelle.

Pat was the kind of woman who was always there when you needed her. Whether offering a helping hand, a warm meal, or a fast-paced walk to catch up with—she was a force of nature packed into her 4-foot-8 frame.

Pat wore many hats during her lifetime. A few of her favorite activities was a bowling instructor teaching many children of Colby how to bowl, she was a Pink Lady at the hospital for over 40 years, and an entrepreneur. She owned a liquor store and helped in the family business, Wagoner and Sons, throughout her lifetime. She also went along with and stood by Charles in all of his business ventures.

She was never one to sit still for long. As a child she helped on the family farm, loved gardening and was a master gardener, and even flew a plane holding her pilot’s license. In Charles and Pat’s younger years they would often dance the night away, go Jeeping through the mountains, or travel the world. Charles’s love for cars rubbed off on Pat and she would attend car shows with Charles and had many street rods of her own. If anyone knew Pat, they knew she was never one to dilly dally, she drove fast cars and those little legs of hers ran. Good luck trying to keep up with her!

But more than anything, Pat was a caregiver. She had a deep, instinctual need to look after other—her family, her friends, and even strangers who crossed her path. Her generosity, warmth, and quick wit made everyone feel like they were family and belonged.

Pat is preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles Wagoner, her parents Laurel and Maudie Kelley, her brother Larry Kelly, her grandson Nicholas Phillips, her brother-in-law Paul Wagoner, and her parents-in-law Greg and Marge Wagoner.

She is survived by her children, Mike Wagoner and Michelle Phillips, and her grandchildren: Tara Phillips-Powell (Scott “the golden child”), Shawn Phillips (Maggie). Pat also leaves behind her great-granddaughters, Maleia Powell and Hannah Powell, who were the light of her life and what she centered her world around.

Pat’s legacy is one of strength, service, and fierce love. She gave endlessly, laughed loudly, and lived fully. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who know her.

Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, where stories, hugs, and memories will be shared as we honor a woman who truly did it all. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 11th, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Colby. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com