Patricia Louise Holt Feugate, born June 23, 1944, in Independence, Missouri, passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, family, and love.
Patricia was born to Josephine Stafford Holt and Paul Holt. In her early years, her family moved to a farm in Mack’s Creek, Missouri, where they raised animals and grew their own food. Life was often on the move due to her father’s work in construction and his calling as a minister. Patricia lived in several states, including North Dakota, Kansas, Mississippi, and Arkansas, experiencing both adventure and challenges along the way.
Church was always central to her life. At the age of nine, Patricia was baptized alongside her brother Burke in a cold Missouri river—an experience that laid the foundation for her lifelong faith. As a child, she and her siblings worked together selling small items door-to-door to help raise funds for building their church, a project that took over a year to complete. Though frequent moves made it difficult to maintain friendships, they strengthened her resilience and deepened her devotion to family and faith.
Eventually, her family settled in Preston, Missouri, where they owned a filling station and café. Patricia worked as a waitress after school, often completing homework between shifts. As a young girl, she dreamed of growing up, falling in love, and having a large family—a dream she fulfilled.
In her youth, Patricia was active and talented. She played basketball and baseball, sang in the high school choir, played the saxophone, and later learned piano—an instrument that became a lifelong passion.
At 16, she met Harlan Richey while pumping gas at their family filling station. They later married when she was 18, moved to Kansas City and began raising their family. Together they had five children and lived in several places, spending much of their time in Bolivar, Missouri. Patricia was a homemaker, enjoyed growing flowers, and maintained a large garden, lovingly providing for her family through the food she grew. Unfortunately, their story ended after about twelve years.
It was through church that Patricia met Ralph Feugate. After only a few short weeks of dating, they knew they were meant to share a life together and married on October 24, 1974. They began their life together on a farm in Humansville, Missouri, later moving to another farm in Preston, where they continued raising their family and soon welcomed their son, Paul, whose arrival brought even greater joy to their growing bond.
In 1985, the family moved to Independence, Missouri, where Patricia soon joined Mount Zion’s Restoration Branch. Over the years she served as music director, women’s leader, and created floral arrangements when needed.
Around 1999, Patricia and Ralph purchased a home near Sugar Creek in Independence, Missouri, which became their final residence. There, Ralph and Pat cultivated another large garden, sharing its produce with family and friends while tending to vibrant flowers around the property. She continued singing, crafting, and serving her church faithfully.
Patricia’s love for music and faith was at the center of her home. She loved singing and playing the piano, often encouraging her children to sing louder alongside her. Church remained a cornerstone of her life, and she made sure her children were deeply involved through services, singing, summer camps, and shared faith.
As a team, Ralph and Pat were actively involved in MOKAN, a gospel music association in Independence, where Patricia served as president for several years. Through this involvement, she formed lasting friendships and joyfully shared her love of gospel music. Patricia played her QChord digital songcard guitar while Ralph played bass, and together they performed at various events, including the SantaCaliGon Days Festival, lifting others through song and their shared faith.
A gifted artist, Patricia had a talent for crafting. Summers often found her at craft fairs, selling handmade items and painting faces alongside her oldest daughter Harla. She also enjoyed decorating hats—especially cowboy hats and ball caps—with her own creative flair, and she was rarely seen without one of her unique creations.
Patricia was a devoted caregiver. In a time of need, she welcomed two of her grandchildren into her home to live for a short time forming deep and lasting bonds. Alongside her son Patrick, she lovingly cared for her husband Ralph after his diagnosis with dementia. Following Ralph’s passing in August 2021 after 48 years of marriage, Patricia remained steadfast in her faith and continued serving as through music ministry.
After a fall and ill health in late 2023, Patricia entered a care center in Independence where she continued to share her gifts—crocheting phone bags or hats for residents and family, singing hymns, and playing music. While she yearned to go home, she found comfort in enjoying watermelon brought by her son Aaron, reading books shared by church members, and enjoying her favorite Hallmark movies, with her daughter April often cuddled beside her. Her son Matthew would share pictures of her flowers around her home he proudly maintained which brought her joy.
Patricia was a loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She cherished time with her siblings and maintained strong family connections across the country. Her life was defined by her devotion to her family and her unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel of her Lord and Savior.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Feugate; her parents, Paul and Josephine Holt; her sisters June, Wilma, and Wanda; her brothers Paul, Cecil, Joe Ray, Jimmy, Burke, and Knox “Hokey” Holt; and her granddaughter Jasmine Swoboda Garrison.
Patricia is survived by her six children: Harla Moritz of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Aaron Richey and partner Sherri of Independence, Missouri; Matthew Richey of Independence, Missouri; April Trail and husband Kyle of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Patrick Richey and wife Terri of Mission, Kansas; and Paul Feugate and wife Naty of Independence, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Nicholas and Andrew Swoboda; Adam and Holly Richey; Ryan Richey; Amanda Thomas; Christopher and Audrey Trail; Austin, Cameron, and Sean Feugate; Brandon and wife Lauren; Bryan and Alison Herrera; and 16 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ Mount Zion Restoration Branch, 15008 East 35th St S, Independence, MO 64055, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to her church are appreciated, as it provided meaningful support to Patricia and her family during times of need. Patricia will be laid to rest alongside Ralph this summer at her family’s resting place, Hayden Cemetery in Cross Timbers, Missouri.
Patricia’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, creativity, and love. She will be deeply missed, but the memories she created, and her enduring legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, MO.