Patricia A. Odneal

Pat was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on November 28, 1951. Her family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in March of 1957. On May 20th of that year, her family survived the Ruskin Heights tornado. Pat and other family members were injured in the tornado, and the family home was lost. Through the generosity of family and friends, they were able to relocate to their new home at 9010 Main, where Pat lived the remainder of her childhood.

Pat attended Boone Elementary School, Center South Junior High School, and Center Senior High School. She graduated with the class of 1969. Pat had fond memories of her high school years and returned to many reunions to reconnect with classmates.

Pat started her business career in the private sector working in banking, insurance, and law offices. It was at this time that she met Roger Odneal, and they were married in April 1974. Although the marriage ended in 1991, Roger and Pat maintained an amicable relationship.

Pat went back to school at University of Missouri at Kansas City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1987, a Masters of Elementary Administration in 2001, and an Education Specialist Administration degree in 2003.

Pat taught in the Kansas City Public Schools from 1987 to 1997. In 1997 she began teaching in the Lee’s Summit R-7 Schools. She taught and was a mentor teacher in Lee’s Summit until 2003 when she made the move into the administration side of education in the Raymore-Peculiar School District. Pat was the Director of Student Programs in Ray-Pec from 2003 to 2010. She went back into the classroom at Creekmoor Elementary School in 2010 where she worked until retiring in July 2012.

Pat enjoyed traveling, golfing, watching classic movies, playing a competitive game of Mexican Train, and being with family and friends. She was a passionate Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. Being able to see both teams win championships over the last few years was a dream come true for Pat. Pat had a great sense of humor; however, she was assertive and tough when she needed to be.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Imogene Solomon and brother Donald Solomon. She is survived by her brother James E. Solomon (Mary) of St. Charles, Illinois; Arthur J. Solomon (Verna) of Freeman, Missouri; Robert E. Solomon (Cathy) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Deborah K. Solomon; and Elizabeth Bashford Stephenson of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her nephews, Christopher Solomon (Wendy), Andrew Solomon (Theresa), and Daniel Solomon (Natalie); her nieces Amber Solomon (Gary), Katie Solomon, and Ashley Barney (Matt); and several great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Gracie.

Pat wanted to thank her longtime friends, Dena and Scot, who cared for Gracie during her various hospital stays. Their kindness and love were so appreciated. She also wanted to express her appreciation to Willeta, her one-of-a-kind neighbor, who cared for her plants and provided so much help and kindness over the years.

Pat wished to thank all the doctors and nurses who took such kind and professional care of her during her cancer battle. To Dr. Forbes and the ICU nursing staff at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas, thank you for your compassionate care in Pat’s final battle. To Dr. Singh and the staff at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Belton, Missouri, immense appreciation for helping Pat fight the good fight for three plus years. To the staff at the Kansas City Hospice House and Palliative Care in Kansas City, Missouri, sincere gratitude for providing Pat a tranquil and peaceful transition.

In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society may be made in Pat’s name. Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit the website donate.cancer.org.

Services will be held on Friday June 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Hope at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Interment will be private.