Pat passed away peacefully to join her Lord on January 15, 2019. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:30 a.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at.
Pat was born April 9, 1934 in Bedford, IA to Jim and Arlene Duncan. She attended North High School in Des Moines, IA and maintained her many friendships all her life. She married Walter Manson in 1942 and together they had three children: Julie (Jeff) Lamberti of Johnston, IA; Joni (Charlie) Barker of Windsor Heights, IA; and Jim (Tracey) Manson of Granger, IA. Walter Manson preceded Pat in death in 1983 after a long struggle with cancer. Pat remarried Paul Oxenford of Waukee, IA in 1990. He preceded Pat in death in 2014. Also preceding Pat in death is her grandson, Joshua Barker, in January 2015.
Pat—a daughter, a sister, a wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma. Simple words, simple description. But Pat was not a simple person. She was unique, loving, giving, playful and faith-filled. Always, always…faithful to her God. He guided her every move. She reveled in His Word. She walked the walk and loved life. Pat saw beauty in every living thing. She sang beautifully, blessed with a wondrous voice such that everyone around her knew it was Pat who was singing. All animals in her care were blessed with her attention; their personalities were unique to her and she bragged about them. All plants grew and thrived in her care; she couldn’t help but to replant and prune to bring out their best.
So imagine her two spouses, her extended family, her children, her in-laws, her friends, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren; imagine what Pat imparted upon them. She worked hard, she exemplified love, she joked and teased. In her years of odd jobs to help support her family she was wife to Walt and worked by his side in his entrepreneurial endeavors, worked in veterinary offices, groomed and raised Poodles and Dachshunds, helped run a campground in Rocheport, Missouri, acted as a receptionist at Briggs, and volunteered her time in various organizations.
She lived to marry another man, Paul Oxenford. Pat gave her heart to so many people. Everyone was a potential friend, and she shared her humor everywhere she went. Her family and long-time friends know this about her. She played with her grandchildren, kept them solid in their behaviors. Her great-grandchildren were a double blessing to her.
When a ray of sunshine touches your life, when a giving person helps you move through a moment of despair, when God’s light reaches your heart, you know you have been blessed. That was Pat. She did these things. And now we know that we have an Angel in Heaven looking over us; walking upright, smiling at silly jokes, playing with children God has claimed, smelling flowers by a stream, and simply loving us all.
Pat is survived by her sister, Sharon (Larry) Anderson of Fairfield, IA; three children; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; as well as her Oxenford extended family. She is greatly missed.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
