Patricia "Pat" Catherine Elders of Cuba, Missouri was born on Wednesday, June 15, 1949 in Waynesville, Missouri to Dr. Frank Alvin Elders and Mary Catherine (nee Donahoe) Elders and passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 21 days.
She graduated from Cuba High School at 16 and began college at 17. She attended Illinois State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, later completing her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
She embraced all genres of music and while attending SIU, sang as the lead vocalist in a band. She played the flute, saxophone and piano and earned a degree in piano performance.
Pat dedicated 27 years of service to UPS, beginning as a driver and working her way into Human Resources. Following her retirement in 2006, Pat returned home to Cuba, Missouri, where she cared for her mother.
She enjoyed daily walks with her niece and dogs, attending Blues Festivals, tending to her garden and feeding the birds.
She was an active member of the Crawford County Republican Committee and the Crawford County Republican Women’s organization.
As a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, she served for many years as the church’s keyboardist, practicing her hymns daily at home.
She supported numerous charities and was an animal lover. She rescued dogs and horses and found great joy in horseback riding.
She cherished her time at Rock Steady Boxing in St. Louis, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Frank Elders; mother, Mary (Lloyd) Pounds; and sister, Mary Judith Elders.
Pat is survived by her nieces, Jennifer (Chris) Abercrombie of Sunset Hills, Missouri, Rebecca (Phil) Kesel of Odessa, Florida, Rachel (Tim) Verharst of Hillsboro, Missouri and Dana (Ronnie Dean) McDowell of Hendersonville, Tennessee; brother, Dr. Mike Elders of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, Missouri with Father Mark Smith officiating.
Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
