Patricia Ellen Ast, (Patty),

Saint Francis Natural Burial Area Ascension Cemetery
    13D, B3  

Patty was born October 4, 1943 in Wichita, Kansas to Clyde and Mary Murphy, she passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015.

Patty spent most of her childhood in eastern Kansas and graduated from high school in St. Paul, Kansas. She was active in 4-H. As a pianist, Patty accompanied the chorus and many soloists in high school and college. She continued to play the piano for relaxation and fun throughout her life. She attended St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City and trained at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Wichita.

While at St. Mary of the Plains, she met Clemens Ast. They married on August 21, 1965. The couple honeymooned at Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and briefly made their home in Boulder, Colorado, where the first child was born. They returned to Kansas and had five more children. Patty lived continuously in Wichita from 1974 until her death.

Patty complemented her primary vocation as a wife and mother with a career in nursing. She also played a key role in Clem’s effort to launch and grow a family business advisory firm. Patty found great satisfaction serving the elderly at the Catholic Care Center and later volunteering at the Priest Retirement Center. She was the consummate caregiver. The list of those who have benefited from Patty’s friendship, counsel and comfort cannot fit these pages. Her heart was always open to others. Over the years, Patty’s six kids met wonderful spouses and gave her eighteen beautiful grandchildren to embrace. Her love for others and her faith inspired many.

Patty is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard. She is survived by her husband, Clem; sons Greg (Kerri), Scott (Alisa) and Rodney (Julia); daughters, Maria (Tim) Sullivan, Juliette (Jason) Dols, Renee (Jamie) Goodfriend; brother, Mike (Marianna) Murphy; sisters, Marilyn (Charlie) Wooster and Susan Wetta.

Patty leaves behind a long list of family and friends who have been so important to her over the years. She is now with her Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. Her spirit lives on through those she has touched. She will be missed beyond measure.

Our family would like to acknowledge the generosity and grace of Patty’s caregivers towards the end of her life during her dignified battle with cancer, especially her sister, Marilyn. Such was the role Patty had served for so many others in years past.

Patty was a devoted Catholic and loved the Blessed Sacrament Parish where she attended daily Mass. Rosary was on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at 6:00 P.M., at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Her Funeral Mass was at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas on July 6, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The St. Vincent de Paul Society (Catholic ministry to the poor), or Priest Retirement Fund, both c/o Blessed Sacrament Church, 124 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67208. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.