Patsy M. Rhinehart

Patsy Kay Miller Rhinehart finished her work here on earth on Friday, October 22, 2021 and found peace and healing that only eternal life can bring.

Christmas came a little late in 1938. Patsy Kay Miller was born in Shenandoah County on December 29th of that year, to parents Arch and Annie Mumaw Miller. As she grew into a spirited young woman who wasn’t afraid to walk miles in the dark to prove a point, she nevertheless captured the peaceful eye of one Ronald Wayne Rhinehart. After graduating from Edinburg High School in the Class of ’57, Miss Edinburg 1952 became Mrs. Rhinehart on September 24, 1959.

In her death, Patsy joined husband Ronny, her parents Arch and Annie, and sister Mary Sharon. She is survived by daughter Robin Layman and former husband Lester Layman; daughter Rhonda Reeser and husband Brian; sister Shirley Orndorff and husband Richard, sister Sandy Burner, brother Roger Miller and wife Barbara; brother -in-law Richard Burner, sister-in-law Nancy Jean Tisinger and husband Buck; sister-in-law Sue Eastep and husband Bob; and nieces and nephews from coast to coast.

Whether known as Patsy, Patty, Pie, Mom, or Dear, Patsy fitted and filled the role of friend, daughter, sister, mother, and wife. Her most impressive title, however, was Baw Baw, and she was never without craft supplies, popsicles and bubble gum for the two most important people in her life: granddaughter Ally and grandson Brandon held her fragile heart until the end, and will know without doubt that their grandmother loved them.

Although extremely attentive to hairspray, lipstick and laundry stains, Patsy wasn’t opposed to gritty positions, working in a number of different postings over the years. From Studor's dry-cleaners at Fort Hood, the sewing machines of Blue Bell, the deli of Gray’s IGA to the framing room at Court Square Stitchery, she was always willing to contribute. She assisted with thousands of church apple dumplings, the church food pantry, and the Bloodmobile. She delivered Meals on Wheels and alter flowers, sharing not only food but conversation and compassion with those who would otherwise have nothing. She kept well to the ways of her household with Ronny for 61 years.

Although Patsy always advised her children to be alert to strangers, it would seem she, herself, never met one. Over the years, Patsy collected a priceless set of friends who, to this day, share the love of a life well-lived. Special thanks to the Barnharts, the Wheelers, the Tolers, the Holsts, the Whitesells, Charlie and Shirley Spiggle, little Archer, the Confederate Street neighbors, and the good souls of Verona United Methodist Church for the friendship and fellowship over the decades.

Her most challenging responsibility, however, was, without question, that of a mother. In fact, Patsy was often more active in church, Girl Scouts, and school activities than her two daughters she escorted to the various events. Whether assembling band pizzas or driving the get-away-car, Patsy committed herself fully (and perhaps overly) to her children’s comfort and care--after 54 years, we know to lock our doors and avoid heavy lifting.

On behalf of Patsy and her heart, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the crew of the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad, the Verona Volunteer Fire Department, to Dr. O’Brian and the AMC ER staff and the crew members of Pegasus for their relentless and emotional efforts to save a beautiful life. To Doctors Marsh, Ragosta, Hatter and Chopra, thank you for your patience, skill, and most importantly, compassion. To the staff at Kathy’s restaurant, thank you for feeding the soul as well as the body.

A service will be conducted on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Verona United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St Jude' s Children's Hospital or the Verona Volunteer Fire Department.