Pat Haston

Patricia Ruth Haston passed away on December 8, 2022 at the age of 90 at John Knox Village East in Higginsville, Missouri. Pat grew up in Columbia, Missouri where she was raised by her grandfather, Fred Bohn and his wife Ruth who offered to help her parents, Florence and Orville McNatt, after Pat fell ill with scarlet/rheumatic fever as a child. Pat graduated from Hickman High School and went on to receive an Associate’s degree from Stephens College in 1952. When she married Frank on June 14, 1952, she willingly gave up her intended career as a Flight Attendant. In the late 70’s, after raising her children, she worked part-time as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Family Services in Rolla, MO. When Frank retired in 1986 they moved to The Lone Sycamore century farm in Higginsville where they built a new home. After Frank’s death, Pat took over the business operations of the family farm. Pat was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and home-maker. She took pride in providing a comfortable, clean and well-appointed home for her family, friends and guests. Her home was the one where all her children’s friends wanted to hang out…they were referred to as the “Leave It to Beaver” family. It was welcoming and full of love with her warm smile and willingness to listen. A family from England who had moved to Missouri in the late 60’s still have fond memories of their years as part of the Haston family. Pat’s kitchen was always stocked and feeding people was a high priority. She had an amazing ability to put together a totally balanced 8-course meal on a moment’s notice. In Pat’s later years she carried supplies of miniature chocolates to spread love to all who crossed her path. The highlight of her days was being with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She would drop what she was doing if she was needed to babysit and she was ready to go just about anywhere if it meant being with them…a drive in the country, a museum, a movie, a meal, clothes shopping, sightseeing, a cruise. Pat and Frank enjoyed doing many things together during their 58 year marriage…a team who loved deeply, made decisions together and lived life fully. Their hands were often intertwined as they went about daily life. They spent many hours together gardening, antiquing, playing cards, and doing stained glass making…their stained glass can be seen around Higginsville in homes, stores and churches, including Salem United Church of Christ. They actively participated in Masons/Eastern Star, Shriners, Confederate Memorial Friends Association and American Legion. Pat was also involved in PEO, Red Hat Society, Garden Club, Quilters and Bell Choir. Pat’s sense of adventure from her earlier days never left and she and Frank travelled throughout the U.S and internationally. After Frank’s death, Pat continued traveling with friends and family. Being well-dressed and demonstrating proper social graces was a priority for Pat. She taught her children the importance of good manners and she was a wonderful hostess. She and Frank hosted many parties for friends and large social gatherings for family. She was exceptionally well organized and kept meticulous notes on menus, invitation lists, birthdays, and family genealogy. The annual “August birthdays” party and family reunions were eagerly anticipated by dozens of people. Perhaps one of the most lasting legacies of Pat’s life is the description that comes to mind by people who knew her for just a short time or for many years - “sweet with a touch of spunk”. Her kindness and warm smile made people feel valued and want to be around her. Her calm demeanor, ability to take things as they came and willingness to speak her mind were blessings that served her and others well. She was a woman of faith who put her trust in God and lived each day shining her light on others. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Fulkerson Haston; her brothers, Weston and Barney McNatt; her sisters, Jane Rosenstangle and Florence Mueller; her son-in-law, Jon Jester; and her great-grandson, Michael Frank Armendariz. Survivors include her sisters, Carolyn Whitney and Phyllis Pettit; her brother, Fred McNatt; four children, Cameron Haston of Joplin married to Lynn, Gregory Haston of Fort Myers Florida married to Ronni, Tricia Jester of Liberty, and James Frank Haston of Higginsville married to Lucinda; ten grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Salem United Church of Christ with a memorial service following at 11:00 AM. The Order of Easter Star service will begin at 10:45 AM before the memorial service. To honor Pat’s life, contributions may be sent to Confederate Memorial Friends Association, Inc. PO Box 332, Higginsville, MO 64037.

Pat Haston

November 8, 1932 - December 8, 2022