Patricia Ann (Offerle) Hood went to be with her Savior on Feb. 21, 2026, at the age of 87. She passed away surrounded by her loving family at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo.
Patricia Offerle was born at home on Dec. 10, 1938, in Offerle, Kan. to Abner and Minnie Offerle. She grew up in Offerle, a tiny western Kansas town founded by her great-great-grandfather, and graduated from Offerle High School in 1956. She studied music education at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., graduating in 1960. While at Sterling, she met her future husband, Harold, and formed lifelong friendships. She also grew in her love for Jesus Christ, learning to depend only on him to meet her financial, physical, and spiritual needs.
After graduating, Pat taught for one year in Hutchinson, Kan. She had been corresponding for three years with Harold, who was serving as a missionary in Pakistan, and through a letter he proposed marriage. After six months of waiting, he received word that she accepted, and a wedding date was set. Pat and Harold were married on June 10, 1961, in Offerle, Kan., just weeks after his return to the United States. Their wedding marked the beginning of a beautiful and loving marriage that would last more than 60 years.
Pat and Harold lived in Wheaton, Ill., and Buhler, Kan. before moving to Ellinwood and later Great Bend, Kan. where they would make their home for nearly 50 years. For a season, Pat stayed home to care for their four children. In 1978 she returned to teaching at Ellinwood Grade School where she taught elementary math and then third grade for many years. Her final years in education were spent as a reading specialist before retiring in 2006. Throughout her 28 years as an educator, she nurtured, encouraged and cared for hundreds of students.
After retiring from teaching, Pat continued dedicating her life to helping others. She tutored students, volunteered in many roles at church, and served alongside Harold as short-term missionaries at International School of Carpena in Carpena, Brazil.
In 2012, Pat and Harold moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. where they lived nine years together before Harold went to be with Jesus on Oct. 28, 2021. A year later, Pat moved to Belton, Mo., where she loved visits from family and friends. In her last years she continued serving Jesus by leading a weekly Bible study for friends.
Pat was an incredibly caring and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her generosity, wisdom, kindness and strength. She was a woman of prayer and a spiritual mentor to many. Her family was so important to her, and she deeply loved and cared for each one. Her friends also brought her great joy, and she loved them like family.
Most importantly, Pat loved Jesus with her entire being. She devoted her life to serving him, and her greatest joy was encouraging others in their walk with Jesus. She relied completely on God to be her guide and strength, even during life’s extremely difficult circumstances. Her life and rock-solid faith continue to be an example and inspiration to those who knew and loved her.
Pat is survived by her children, Mike (Amy) Hood of Bartlesville, Okla., Doug (Jan) Hood of Belton, Mo., Becky (Shawn) Winters of Bethel, Conn., and Brian (Sharon) Hood of Shady Shores, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; Andrea West and Trang Canavan, who were like daughters to her.
A memorial service, open to the public, is scheduled for April 11, 2026 at 1 p.m., at Christ Community Church, 14200 Kenneth Road, Leawood, Kan. Memorials are suggested to the Kohman family. Checks can be mailed to Mark and Wendy Kohman #0376369, Cru, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222 or online gifts at give.cru.org (search Mark Kohman).
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 7, 2026
