Patricia “Patty” Louise McKee McManus, 87, of Lexington died Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Blue Ridge Christian Homes, Raphine, from complications of dementia/Alzheimer's.
Patty was two months shy of 10 years at BRCH. Members of her family were present when she passed.
Patty was born in Perry Township, Fayette County, Penn., on Nov. 6, 1935. Her parents were Earl Willard McKee and Mary Capanna McKee.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Betty McKee (an infant), Dayne McKee, Ruth Ann Pasulka, Donna Earnesty, Norma Lukaesko and Linda Vesley.
Surviving is her husband of 65 years, Ronald McManus Sr.; her son, R.G. McManus Jr. (Karen); a daughter, Kimberly (Michael) Carini. Grandchildren are Grant McManus IlI (Tiffany), Katelyn, Allyson and Ashley McManus. Great-grandchildren are Janalyn and Tristan McManus. Her brother, Earl Thomas McKee (Barb), also survives her as do numerous nieces and nephews.
Patty and Ron met 74 years ago when they were freshmen in high school. They were both enrolled in the college prep program. In those days, teachers tended to seat students alphabetically. Ron, therefore, was seated either behind Patty or beside her for four years. Ron teased Patty on most days, but they still became good friends. They did not, however, date until the end of their senior year in high school.
During those high school years Patty proved to be an outstanding student, a trend that continued through college and graduate school. Patty also loved music, especially playing her trumpet. Her long hours of practice led to her selection to the All-District Band and the All-State Band of Pennsylvania. While in high school, Patty joined an all-female dance band as the lead trumpet and continued this through college to earn spending money.
Patty attended California State Teachers College (now California University) in California, Pa. She graduated in 1957 with a BS degree teaching mathematics. While in college she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi sorority, the college band, the bridge, and the photography clubs. In 1963 she earned a MEd with emphasis on mathematics from the University of Virginia.
After Patty and Ron had graduated from their respective colleges, they were married in 1958. Patty began her teaching career with the Penn Hills schools in Pittsburgh, Pa.
She then became a member of the Warren County, Va., faculty. She did take leave from teaching to begin her family. While on leave she did some part time teaching at Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal When she returned from leave, she resumed teaching at Warren County High School. When the family moved to Lexington, Patty taught at Rockbridge High School in Fairfield and then in Lexington. She retired from teaching in 1999, completing a 32-year career.
Patty and family moved to Lexington in 1980. They were active members at the Trinity United Methodist Church until Patty became ill.
The McManus family wishes to express a most sincere thank you to Dr. Rob Marsh, the Bender family, Mary Lois Strock, and all members of the staff, both present and past, for their professional and loving care which they gave to Patty.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 5, at the Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a gift in Patty's name be directed to: Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 31, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
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