Patty Elizabeth Vanover (Keathley) was born September 3, 1934 (Labor Day) in Pikeville, KY. With her family holding her close, she died peacefully on Sunday December 10, 2023 – leaving earthside and beginning her eternal life in Heaven.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Vanover Jr.; Daddy, William "Sundad" and Mother, Eva Caudill Keathley; brothers William (Bill) and Lowell Keathley.
She is survived by her and Johnny’s three sons, John (Janice), Willie (Paula), Dan (Tracy) and Carol Vanover; her sister Helen and several nieces and nephew.
Patty and Johnny met and grew up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, both with large, loving families close by. They married on August 20, 1955. A couple years later they moved their young family to Valley Station, KY. Several years after that Patty and Johnny became grandparents, earning proud titles "Nanny" & "Pappy". Patty is survived by six grandchildren, Austin (Heather), Nolan (Tiffany), Cole (Kristin), Jaci (Jake), Kayla (Willie) and Samantha. In due time, "Nanny" became a great grandmother, also known as "Old Nanny" – she is survived by eleven great grandchildren.
At 16 years old, Patty graduated from Pikeville High School. She loved school and studying. While she had no desire to ever receive a driver’s license, she took the test in her early twenties and passed – but chose to leave without the license as she only wanted to show herself she could do it. As an agile thinker, she challenged herself any chance she had. Years later, Patty worked at Goodman Vaunauman as a lab technician, riding the city bus everyday. After work, she walked from her bus stop at Valley High School to Third Street Road to pick up baby John. From there, she carried him on her hip for more than eight miles to their home on Penile Road while her husband was working – never once complaining, never once regretting. She was durable and selfless. She worked at Murphy's in Dixie Manor before becoming a laborer at General Shale Brickyard while her husband was on strike from International Harvester. Through the years, Patty attended South Jefferson Baptist Church – meeting several dear friends whom she held close to her heart for decades. She took her sons to church and it was a rarity for her to miss. One Sunday morning her mischievous young Willie hid his church shoes in a stitch effort to skip service. He soon found himself sitting next to his mother in house slippers, as the confessed excuse failed him. She stood firm in her expectations, never wavering due to popularity or acceptance. Her love for her children shined through every decision made. One afternoon she received a call from Johnsontown Elementary stating young Dan was ill. Patty had no choice but to fetch him on her bicycle, unblushingly riding him back home to Moreman Road on her handlebars.
She worked 26 years in the cafeterias of Medora Elementary and Stuart Middle School before retiring from Jefferson County Public Schools in 2002. Her coworkers witnessed her honesty and loyalty, both as a friend and protector of many students. Her generosity was felt by family and neighbors her entire life, never expecting anything in return. That’s who she was to her core, truehearted and steadfast.
Patty was a member of Ashby Lane Baptist Church, where she spent decades sitting near the back of the sanctuary with her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading her Bible and solving crossword puzzles. She relished in a competitive game of Scrabble, one she loved to play with her one-and-only sister Helen and late Mother. She had tender hands for animals and a soft spot for her hound dog Roscoe. Patty (Nanny) will be remembered for her morality, faith in God and enormous love for her family.
Her services will be held at the Advantage Funeral Home – Hardy Chapel. Visitation is on Thursday, December 14, 3-8pm ET and funeral is Friday, December 15 at 10am ET. Patty will be buried in Bethany Cemetery (behind the funeral home) directly following the funeral service.
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