Patsy Rash Leidich

Patsy Leidich, 87, of Waco, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 14, at 11:30 a.m., with Grace Lucas of Bosqueville United Methodist Church officiating at Robinson Cemetery.

Patsy was born in Houston and grew up in and around Waco. She grew up on the Neale Farm, located on the old Marlin Road southeast of Waco, where her father was a herdsman and showed the nationally-famous herd of Holstein cattle. She attended elementary school in Riesel, where she was crowned Queen of Riesel in seventh grade. She attended Floresville High School, where she was a member of the class of 1953, and was a cheerleader and played volleyball, softball, and basketball. She attended the Southwest Teachers College in San Marcos for two years before transferring to Baylor University where she met her future husband, Tom Leidich. They were married in 1956 and were married for 64 years until his death in 2020. They both graduated from Baylor in 1957 and they both completed graduate school at The Ohio State University, spending over 33 years in Ohio before returning to Texas in 1996.

Patsy had a 30-year career with the Columbus Public Schools, as a home economics teacher at North, Whetstone, and Briggs High Schools. She also taught second grade at Leawood Elementary School. While staying home with her daughters, she also taught night school courses in sewing at Central High School. During the course of her career and afterwards, many former students and fellow teachers maintained close ties with her.

Patsy was an avid Ohio State and Baylor sports fan, with many years of season tickets, tailgating, and friends; even going to watch the Baylor Bears play in the Sugar and Liberty Bowls. Many Ohio State-Michigan football games were enjoyed at the Varsity Club in Columbus as well. She also enjoyed cooking and was a member of a Gourmet Club for over 20 years, with many long-time friends and interesting themes along the way. Her passion for garage sales and estate sales led to many different collections, including her trademark apple dishes. She also enjoyed fishing, travelling, hanging out with family, and especially Manhattans on the veranda.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; mother and father, Ruby Starnes Rash and Howard J. Rash; sister, Jayne Vogt; and brother, Howard David Rash.

Patsy is survived and is missed dearly by her loving friends, caregivers, and family members including daughters, Kathleen Leidich, of Leesburg, Virginia, and Amanda Braun, of Columbus, Ohio; and grandchildren, Andrew Braun of Austin, Derek Braun, of Columbus, and Amelia (Mia) Braun, of Columbus.