Patsy Helen Denton Corbett passed away peacefully on Monday, March 7, 2022, at the Republic Nursing and Rehab facility where she was a resident. Patsy was the fifth child of Elba (Bouslog) Denton and Charles Emory Denton born on St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) 1927. She joked that they changed her name from Mary Helen to Patsy Helen, indicating she had her P.H.D. at birth. Her father was the owner of and pharmacist of Denton's Rexall Drug Store. She enjoyed a great childhood living on the Boulevard, (now National Ave.), with her horse, Tony (from Camp Liel ) and chickens in the yard. Her parents and brothers; Jack, Charles, Harry and sister Elba Anne (Criswell), her niece, Ellen (Criswell) Dean all preceded her in death.

Patsy attended Greenwood (Lab School) when it was located in Hill Hall on the MSU campus. (Greenwood moved to it's present location on campus in 1966.) Skipping a grade, Patsy graduated in 1944. She became a member of the high school sorority, Lambda Alpha Lambda, sang in the Greenwood Chorus, and met a handsome music student teacher that she later married.

Her love of learning took her to Drury College (University) where she became a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. She participated later in the Pi Phi Alumnae Club serving as President and on the House Corporation. Her college career was put on hold as she married Edward L. Corbett (the music teacher) on June 29, 1946. Together they raised three children. Surviving their parents are: Charles (Denton) Corbett and wife Deby; their daughter, Alex (Corbett) Ross and husband, Adam and daughter, Violet; Annie (Corbett) Honeycutt and husband, Jake; son, Andy Corbett and wife Laura; One daughter, Catherine (Cathy) (Corbett) Long and husband, Mike; their children, Wil Long and daughter, Nancy (Long) Taylor and husband, Robert and their daughter, Aubrey; James (Jim) Edward Corbett and wife, Paula; their daughter Katie (Corbett) Lewis and husband, Nathan and their sons Jackson and Micah; Jim and Paula's sons, Adam Corbett and Will Corbett.

Patsy was a true joiner of clubs including: Hopewell Club, (founded, Oct. 2, 1904) raising monies benefiting the orphans and many worthy causes of the Springfield community. The group disbanded in 2004 . Also, chartering the "Ozark Chapter, Missouri Archaeological Society" as Treasurer and Secretary for 38 years, which became a passion for "digs" and all things related to Native American life in the Ozarks and into Arkansas. Her interest led to her volunteering and then a job at the Center for Archeological Research at MSU and a degree in Antiquities from the University. She received Missouri State University Foundation, "Excellence in Community Service" Award. Patsy also received the "Gray/Campbell Farmstead Volunteer Award" for 30 years of service. Patsy joined in a group of interested Springfieldians in the founding of the Springfield History Museum along with her friend, Kitty Lipscomb. She was active in volunteering her time to categorize photos and memorabilia of all kinds. Patsy was a great supporter of the Springfield Art Museum. She was an avid member of SMMA (Southwest Missouri Museum Associates) "20th Century" group. Her Art group friends regularly met on Tuesdays, twice a month for lunch and programs relating to education in the Arts. She was a member of "La Hora Espanola" a Spanish Club that she loved with her nearby neighbors; also, ER Chapter of P.E.O. for over 60 years was another of her commitment to others. Dad often joked that P.E.O. stood for "Papa Eats Out". She and her husband enjoyed music and were Patrons of the "Little Theatre" and Springfield Dance Club. She travelled to Arizona to be with the (Harry) Denton family when time permitted.

During her retirement years she researched and kept up a genealogy of the "Corbett" and "Denton" families. An avid reader and nature lover, she enjoyed the cardinals and finches in her backyard bird feeders and tending her flowers.

Patsy is also survived by nephews, John Criswell, Harry (Joyce) Criswell, Don (Kathy) Denton, David (Jill) Denton, nieces; Lisa (Charles) Criswell Burwick; Jennifer (Lowell) Denton Edwards and several great nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice. Visitation will be Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home from 4:30-6:30 pm. Burial will be graveside at Hazelwood Cemetery, Friday at 10:30 am.