PAT VANSANT.Eleanor Christine (Pat) Vansant, 81, died peacefully in her sleep on December 6, 2012, in Jefferson City, MO, at the home of her son, Tom Vansant, and his wife, Suzy Shelton.

In her last years, Pat underwent the "long goodbye" of Alzheimer's disease. Born in St. Louis on December 23, 1930, "Patsy" grew up in a loving family that included many aunts, uncles, and cousins. There she graduated from Southwest High School in 1948, and on January 1, 1952, married U.S. Army Lieutenant Robert E. (Bob) Vansant. Army service took the newly-weds to Watertown, NY; Pat loved to recount memories of their harsh winter there. After Bob's subsequent Army duty in Washington, D.C., and Korea, they settled in Kansas City, where Bob, an engineer and attorney, worked at Black & Veatch until his death in 1985. Pat was a dedicated wife and mother; family was the center of her life. She made a warm and welcoming home for her six children and their many friends. Their entire family was active in the church community at Linwood Methodist Church and later at Central United Methodist Church. Prominent on the family's calendar was the New Year's Day open house, a regular event for many years. Hundreds of friends, family, colleagues, and community members were warmly hosted in their Crestwood-neighborhood home in Kansas City. As her children grew into adulthood, Pat frequently accompanied Bob on his many business trips. Trips to central U.S. destinations were often made by car, and Bob was pleased "to leave the driving to Pat," who loved to drive. Pat was passionate about reading, politics, and powdered sugar donuts. Yet she was most proud of all her children and their accomplishments.

Pat is reunited in Heaven with many family and friends - especially Bob; parents, Florence and Justus C. Miller; and sister Ruby O'Hara.

Pat is survived by her six children: Catherine Cook, Atlanta, GA; Linda (Doug) Ritterskamp, St. Louis; Susan (Reese) Groshong, Columbia; Rev. Thomas (Suzy Shelton) Vansant, Jefferson City; Carol (Mike) Kelleher, Houston; and Ann (Greg) Sebert, Dallas. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, her pride and joy: Michael Cook and Emily (nee Cook) Combs; Tammy Ritterskamp; Natasha and Tommy Groshong; Lainie, Robbie, Daniel, Nellie, Stella, and Judy Vansant; and William, Matthew, and Molly Sebert.

The family will hold a graveside service at Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, MO, at 2 p.m. on January 4, 2013, arrangements by Vansant-Mills Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: Pat Vansant Memorial, Wesley United Methodist Church, 2727 Wesley Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109.