Patricia Helen Hardt

Patricia Helen Johnson Hardt, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Waco, Texas, at the age of 86. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church, followed by a graveside service at Waco Memorial Park.

Pat was born January 18, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Vivian DeWeese Johnson and Leo Marion Johnson. Pat spent her early years in Alma, Illinois, where she graduated as valedictorian from Kinmundy High School in 1955. Pat attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her dedication to her faith led her to become a US-2 Home Missionary for the United Methodist Church, serving at the Bethlehem Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and teaching 6th grade in North Texas before marrying David Hardt in 1962.

In 1963, Pat and David moved to Waco, Texas, where she continued her teaching career at Dean Highland Elementary School. Pat was an active member of Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church, where she found joy in teaching Sunday School, serving in the United Methodist Women, delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, and serving as church librarian for over 30 years. Additionally, she served for several years as President of the local United Methodist Women's unit as well as District President.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, Richard Johnson.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, David Hardt; her loving children, Bruce Hardt and wife Jennifer, and Sheryl Bybee and husband Kelly; and her cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Benjamin, Jonah, and Bailey Hardt. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Wilkins and husband Ivan, of Salem, Illinois; her sister, Linda Brimberry and husband, David; and brother, John Johnson and wife Brenda, of Kinmundy, Illinois; and by numerous loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren.

Pat will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her dedication to the United Methodist Church, and her warm and caring spirit. Her impact on the lives of her family, friends, and church community will be cherished and remembered always. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the eternal grace of God she faithfully served throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Pat’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.