Patricia was born to Frank and Annice Merkley in Lebanon, Kentucky on March 5, 1935. She grew up in Columbia, Kentucky where she attended Lindsey Wilson College before graduating from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Fine Arts. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, as well as a cousin, Ann Merkley Bybee, who was like a sister to her. She married her loving husband Charles "Chuck" Christiansen in Louisville, Kentucky on August 13, 1966.She exuberantly expressed her beauty and creativity through visual arts. Her talent and passion for the arts were shared generously with her community. Prior to starting her family, she taught art in the Springfield Public Schools. Later as a volunteer she was active in bringing the Visiting Artists program to the Public Schools. As a board member on the Springfield Arts Council, she was instrumental in creating Springfield's first Artsfest at Phelps Grove Park, later moved to Historic Walnut Street. She served on the Arts Committee at First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, where she was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. In recent years, her compassion for children was demonstrated through her service as a CASA volunteer.Pat is survived by her loving husband Chuck and their three sons and families whom she deeply cherished, Eric and wife Betty Christiansen and grandchildren Clare and Feven of Orange, CA; Andy and wife Teri Lynne Christiansen of Austin, TX; and John and wife Teri Ellen Christiansen and grandchildren Carly and Erin of Columbia, MO. Also survived by brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law Jack and Ann Christiansen of Dana Point, CA and their three children Katie, Marty, Michael, and their families; Cousins Dr. Louis Merkley and wife Judy of Lexington,KY; Marian and husband Dr. Mac Jarboe of Elizabethtown, KY; Allen Gailor and wife Sunny of Louisville, KY; Lindy Kinser and husband Mark of Johnson City, TN; Chuck's Springfield cousins, Drs. Steve and Carol Christiansen and family; and Scott Christiansen and family.The family would like to express special thanks for the care given by Wendy from St. John's Hospice. Memorial services will be held at First & Calvary Presbyterian church on Friday, November 4, at 2pm, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.Memorial contributions may be made to the Patricia Merkley Christiansen Memorial; Lindsey Wilson College; Columbia KY 42728.