Overland Park, KS - Theo Patricia Jean Ward, 93 years young, of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025. Patricia was born in St Paul, MN on May 16, 1931, to Theo and George Ward and lived in the Twin Cities area for the greater part of her life. When her long-time friend, Lois Miller, died in 2019, Patricia moved to Overland Park to be near family. Pat worked through high school at her grandparents' neighborhood market in Highland Park. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1948, and attended St Catherine's College. Patricia worked at Telex and then at Medtronic where she retired in 1988, after 22 years.

Pat loved sports both as a fan and participant and went to countless Vikings, Twins and Gophers women's basketball games. From the mid 40's to 60's, Pat was envied as a fastpitch softball player and coach. She was known for her defensive moxie and ability to hit to all fields. Pat played in multiple world and national tournaments and was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in 1986. Pat began bowling in the late 1950's at the old Flaherty's. Over her bowling career of 43 years, she bowled in 23 tournaments and in 1981, was a member of the City Championship Team. Pat was inducted into the St Paul Bowling Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 2000, after serving as Director of the St Paul WBA for 18 years. In 2002, Pat was inducted into the MN Women's Bowling Assn Hall of Fame after having served as Secretary for 13 years.

Patricia is survived by her older brother, George (Billie), nieces Barbara (Gary) and Michelle (Ron), nephews George (Joanne) and Steven, and many grand and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many longtime friends in the Twin Cities area.

A very huge and heartfelt thank you to the staff at Homestead of Overland Park Memory Care for their loving and devoted care of Grandma Pat. Patricia was a remarkable person and loved for her high-spirited yet good-natured personality.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10 am followed by a funeral mass at 11 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 835 2nd Ave. NW, New Brighton, MN. Patricia requested any remembrances be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.