Virginia "Pat" Delano, 101, was born to Samuel and Lula Patton on January 29th, 1916 in Miller, Missouri and died November 18, 2017 in Springfield, Missouri.  The family moved to Springfield when Pat was 8 because her parents wanted her to be able to attend college here.  She attended Rountree Elementary, Jarrett Middle School, and then moved to Greenwood Laboratory for high school.  She graduated from Greenwood at age 16, and then went on to graduate from Southwest Missouri State Teachers College, now Missouri State University, with Summa Cum Laude Honors in English and Latin at age 20.

Pat began her teaching career at Republic High School. She later accepted a teaching position in Bonne Terre, Missouri where she met Bill Delano. Pat and Bill married in 1941. After WWII, they made their home in Springfield.  Throughout her teaching career, Pat taught at Reed Junior High School, Greenwood Laboratory School, and Southwest Missouri State University. Through her many years of teaching English and Latin, Pat had a great impact on countless students.

Pat and Bill traveled through every county seat in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii to fulfill Bill's childhood dream.  They also travelled to New Zealand and Australia to fulfill Pat's childhood dream.

Pat was an avid golfer and spent 12 years on the state board of the Missouri Women's Senior Organization.  Bill and she were charter members, "Rock Pickers", at Twin Oaks Country Club.  Additionally, Pat belonged to Chapter JL, P.E.O., for over 63 years.  She was also a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was a charter member of The Tower Club.

In 2007, Pat received the prestigious Award for Commitment to Greenwood from its alumni board.  In 2008, KSMU, the college radio station had a program called "Outstanding Teachers".  They asked their listeners to nominate teachers that had an impact on their life.  Pat was nominated by a student she had in Reed Junior High in 1945.

Pat truly enjoyed life, especially spending time with beloved friends.  Music of the 30's and 40's brought her much joy and fond memories of dancing throughout the years.  Having no children, she leaves behind a huge "family" of friends whom she treasured and stayed very active with after Bill died over 30 years ago. A close friend recently said, "Pat, you are somewhat of an anomaly. Most people as they get older seem to lose their friends, but you seem to keep getting more."  She will be sorely missed and mourned by all.  Our memories of our cute little red head will live in our hearts forever.  Pat, we all love you to the moon and back!

The memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1551 E. Portland, at 4:00 PM on Thursday November 30, 2017.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (The Bill and Pat Delano Fund) or a charity of your choice.