Our Mom, Patty Darlene Meyeres Upchurch known as Pat or Sis to siblings came into this life in a barn near Ordway, Colorado, May 14, 1937, weighing 4 pounds of energy that never stopped.  She was an unnamed person as far as birth certificate until she was in her 50's.  Not often do you get the opportunity to change your name on the birth certificate.

Pat's parents Rubert (Rube) & Edna Ray along with her siblings, Donald, Jim and much later Sharon lived in Lamar.  Her first paying job was when she was 13 years old, in the Lamar Drug Store for $25 per week.  She used to say she was unable to buy anything as her mom insisted it had to be given to her older brother Donald as he needed it worse than she did.  She solved this by cashing her check weekly immediately and promptly spent it on herself.  Her education was discontinued at the age of 16.

Mom met Howard through her brother, Don, spring of 1956.  They were married on a very icy frosty January 5, 1957.  They lived in Lamar where Howard worked for City of Lamar for a time.  Gayla Janiece was born October 24, 1957, followed by Howard Wayne; September 14, 1959, then along came Klyna Jo June 10, 1961.  By this time, they made their home south of Walsh.  The family was complete when Barbara Ann was born May 8, 1967.

Siblings, Sharon and Jim reminisced in spite of meager finances and their own growing family, Howard & Sis's home was always filled with siblings in need of a home, love, and security which they graciously provided on many occasions throughout the years. They both always said "there is always room for one more" for which they selflessly provided. Pat, or Sissy became both mom and sister to her younger sibling forming a lifelong bond.

Howard as well as his father Matt were contractors.  The family lived 26 miles south of Walsh, he traveled to work in either Walsh, Keyes Oklahoma or Elkhart Kansas so Mom stayed home with the kids.  Financially it was a struggle, but we always had a home cooked meal made from scratch and never went hungry.  She loved to work in the yard and especially flowers.  She learned to sew and made a lot of the girls' clothes.  Gayla remembers her mom taking a sewing class in Johnson then she would wake her up to try on the latest creation.  She was very frugal yet made our house, a home.  They remained in the country until August 1981 when they moved to Walsh.

She greatly enjoyed a beautiful yard in Walsh, she spent many happy hours there.  Howard passed in 1985.  She didn't sew as much after we kids were grown, she loved to cook and bake. She also was a part of a bowling league and enjoyed having coffee with friends after they moved to Walsh.  Mom made some of the best bread and homemade noodles.  Her noodles are something all four kids still make to this day.

Life was hard financially for Dad and Mom, but we always knew we were loved.  Special memories were seeing her sit on Dad's lap or in front of the kitchen sink in Dad's arms.  Their love was strong. The kids remember Mom always sat by dad as if still dating with her hand on his leg.  A special memory for all.

After the loss of Howard, she moved to La Junta.  She was baptized at the Grace Baptist church in 1989.  She came to know the Lord, but wasn't much into serving in the physical church, served in her own way.

She moved to Florida near Klyna for a time, but Florida wasn't for her.  She ended up in Newton, Kansas in 1988 where she resided until her passing.  When she first moved to Newton, she got off the bus with one suitcase that contained all she owned.  Her first job was at a convenience store 11 blocks from her residence.  She had no vehicle; she walked home after her shift at one in the morning nightly.  Police would meet her at the end of each block to ensure she got home then waited until she went in.  This shows how independent and determined Mom was.

She waited tables at the Red Coach, here she met her husband, Henry Upchurch.  They were married May 19, 1991.  Mom has lived in four different homes, each furnished entirely by being frugal and buying second hand or garage sales.  She had a natural knack for decorating; therefore her homes were all well maintained.  Her life changed yet again when Henry passed in February 2000.

Her own health began to fail when she had heart issues among other health concerns early in the 2000's.  She still maintained her beautiful yard up until she was 82 then could no longer physically mow, but that didn't stop her from explaining her expectations for those that helped her. The hardest thing for her in her later years was the diagnosis of wet macular degeneration in both eyes.  This made many changes to her way of life.

Barb's classmate Aidee Torrez also lives in Newton, she through the years has become extended family as she was a loving, compassionate and caring friend and companion to mom, she visited and dropped by even in her last days.

Neighbors, Vern and Tammy Richert began a ministry of their assistance with Mom.  They helped her keep house, took her to doctor appointments, did her shopping and brought meals to her as well as mowing and keeping up the yard.  They became an extended family to all of us.

She fought a good fight and never gave up her determined spirit when most would have given in.  Pat was determined and was still refusing assistance even in her last days.  Mom will be missed by many.  She leaves to mourn her 4 children, Gayla (Dennis) Thompson of Vilas, Colorado, Wayne (Angie) Meyeres of Walsh Colorado area, Klyna (Rowdy) Ellerbee of Lake Placid Florida and Barb (Glen) Emary of Des Moines Iowa, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grand with another to come in late summer and 1 great, great grandchild. She also leaves her brother Jim & Helen Ray of Wimberly Texas, and sister, Sharon Cable also of Wimberly Texas area and special family friends Vern and Tammy Richert of Newton Kansas.