Obituaries

In Memory of Patricia Ann “Pat” Riegle Morehead
September 15th 2023 by Dee Loflin
In Memory of Patricia Ann “Pat” Riegle Morehead

Patricia Ann “Pat” Riegle, age 90, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023. She was born on March 29, 1933, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Warren and Dorothy Riegle. Pat will always be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her strong faith, and her dedication to community service.

Patricia graduated from Treadwell High School in Memphis where she was a cheerleader, debater, and class officer. She completed her education at Southwestern at Memphis, now known as Rhodes College, graduating with honors in 1955. She loved her Kappa Delta sorority and was the sweetheart of Sigma Nu fraternity. After her studies, she taught English in Wilson, Arkansas until her calling as a loving wife and mother took precedence. Pat embraced her role as a devoted homemaker, raising her four children with endless love and care. Her selflessness and nurturing nature were truly admirable.

Throughout her life, Pat was an active member of various organizations that aimed to make a positive impact on the community. Her interest in education led her to run and be elected as the first female school board member in Malden. She was honored with the title of 1987 BPW Woman of the Year for her outstanding contributions. Additionally, Pat played a significant role in the establishment of the Bootheel Children’s Museum in Malden, leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Patricia’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She worshipped at St. John’s Episcopal Church during her formative years, where she also exchanged vows with her beloved husband, Bill. Upon moving to Malden, Pat found community at the Malden Presbyterian Church. She served on the session and taught Sunday School, exemplifying her deep-rooted faith and commitment to spiritual growth.

In her leisure time, Pat enjoyed engaging in activities that brought her joy and connected her with others. She found pleasure in playing duplicate bridge with Bill as well as her bridge group, honing her golf skills, and participating in various volunteer projects. Pat’s lively debates and conversations were a testament to her intellect and passion for learning.

After 50 plus years in Malden Pat and Bill returned to their old hometown of Memphis and resided at Trezevant Manor. There, she was a popular and much-loved resident by the staff and caregivers known for her friendly manner and smile.

Pat’s life was all about relationships- family and friends. She always looked for some connection in common between people. Special thanks to Hope Hospice, the staff at Trezevant and her loving caregivers over these last few years: Della Harville, Dee Thomas, Sheila Williams, Hazel Broadie, Beth Stewart, Cynthia Gwinn, and Mary Williams. You were all blessings to our family.

A funeral service in honor of Pat’s life will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 3245 Central Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Visitation will commence at 1:00 pm in the reception hall, where friends and family can gather to offer their condolences and support. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, where Pat will be laid to rest. To continue sharing memories honoring Pat’s legacy, friends and family are invited to gather at the home of Robert and Catherine Morehead. Detailed instructions to the cemetery and Robert’s home will be provided for convenience.

Patricia leaves behind a cherished legacy and will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Patricia (Larry) Kilgore, William Jr., Robert (Catherine). and Elizabeth (Martin) Hilton. She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Lauren (Matthew) Dixon, Travis (Xiuming) Kilgore, Joseph (Liz) Kilgore, Turner and Henry Morehead, Hannah (Conor) Mageean, Eva and Noah Hilton, as well as her six great-grandchildren. Pat is survived by her sister-in-law, Ausra Riegle, and her extended Riegle and Morehead family. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Warren and Dorothy Riegle, her beloved husband of 65 years, Dr. William Morehead, and her brother, Charles Riegle.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to your charity of choice or to organizations that held a special place in Pat’s heart. These include The Bootheel Youth Museum at https://www.bootheelyouthmuseum.org/memorial-funds.php.

Southeast Missouri State University Dr. William and Patricia Morehead Acting Scholarship at https://semo.edu/giving/. The American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/or .

The Pat Summitt Clinic at https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/locations/pat-summitt-clinic.

Your contributions will honor Pat’s memory of making a difference in the lives of others.

The Canale Funeral Directors in Memphis, Tennessee, have been entrusted with the arrangements and are committed to providing compassionate and professional support during this difficult time.

May Patricia Ann “Pat” Riegle Morehead rest in eternal peace, her memory forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.


Last Updated on September 15th 2023 by Dee Loflin




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