Patsy Jean Elliott

 Patsy was born on April 4, 1935, in Guthrie KY to Gracie Mae Wooten Chilton McGregor and Claude McGregor. She was youngest of 14 children which included 9 brothers and 4 sisters. Patsy's mother passed away when she was 10 years old. She went to live with her sister Katherine Blair in Hopkinsville, KY. She was called Patty Jean until her sister Katherine changed it to Patsy because Patty Jean was "too countrified". She was a graduate of Hopkinsville KY High School. She met her husband Ruel on a blind date while he was with USMC at Clarksville base, TN. Eighteen months later they were married on December 26, 1955. Their first daughter Gail was born October 1956. They moved to Randolph Center VT in May 1957 so Ruel could attend college at Vermont Agricultural and Technical Institute. Their second daughter Kathy was born July 1958. After graduation in 1959 they moved to St. Johnsbury VT for Ruel's new job with USDA as a Soil Conservation technician. Ruel Jr. was born in December 1959 and Crystal in July 1961. In 1964 Ruel was transferred to Middlebury, VT. While living in Middlebury and raising the 4 children Patsy was a Cub Scout den mother and 4-H leader. She was a skilled seamstress and loved to sew for herself and the girls. They attended Middlebury United Methodist Church where Patsy was actively involved in United Methodist Women and her and Ruel co-lead the Methodist Youth Group. While in Middlebury they took Western style square dance lessons and a lifelong passion of square dancing was born. Patsy sewed all her elaborate and beautiful square dance dress which wore for "dress" dances. In 1978 Ruel was transferred to Ravenswood, WV. They attended First United Methodist Church and she was involved in United Methodist Women. Their love for square dancing continued with The Sternwheelers square dance club. In 1989 Ruel was transferred again to Hurricane, WV. They were members of Forest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church and she was involved in the United Methodist Women where she ran the "Country Kitchen" sale of cards, flavorings and Rada knives for 33 years until her health prevented it. She also helped the UMW start the bi-yearly used book sale. When Patsy and Ruel retired in 1997 they bought a RV 5th wheel camper and over the years visited all the lower 48 states. Their beloved cat Riley traveled with them as well and joined them on their journey. They attended 16 national square dance conventions all over the United States. Patsy designed a display to show off our wonderful state of WV and proudly displayed it at the national convention. They danced for over 50 years and in 25 different states in their travels. They saw a lot of the USA and a lot they won't see. Patsy will be remembered for her gift of gab as she never met a stranger. She always had a smile and a hug. She was a devoted wife and loving Mother and Grandmother. She will be missed by everyone. The family would like to thank Hospice, nurse Angie and the caring compassionate team who gave her wonderful care. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston WV 25387-2536

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patsy Jean Elliott, please visit our floral store.