FORT SMITH — Patsy Ruth Pair Post
passed from this earthly world on August 26, 2021 just shy of her 92nd birthday.
She was born in Seminole, Okla., on November 9, 1929 only a month after the stock market crash that ushered in the Great Depression. It never got the best of Patsy Ruth though, as she spent her formative years under the watchful eyes of her mother, father, and siblings. She always said that she had an idyllic, happy childhood and that experience radiated within her personality for the rest of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Maude Spear and Roy Clifton Pair, her brother Bill Pair, her sister Phyllis Pair Enos, and her daughter Denise Lynn Post, with whom we are certain she shared the most glorious reunion in the Kingdom of Heaven. What a joy to see you come!
Pat graduated from Seminole High School in 1946 at the age of 17 because the teachers had her skip a grade when she was young. Yes, she was that smart. She reigned as Miss Seminole that year and went on to Nursing School at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. There she met a dashing young Pediatric Resident, James Post, on a double date. They weren’t together on that date, but they soon remedied that situation and were married on July 30, 1949 in Altus, Ark. The bells of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church tolled happily that day as they went on to spend the next 72 years together in Holy Matrimony. Pat boasted frequently that her greatest feat was “snagging Jim Post”!
When Jim finished his residency, they moved to Fort Smith, Ark., where he practiced pediatrics, and they raised their eight children. Pat Post was the consummate mother. Her children were her most prized possessions and her proudest accomplishments. She gave them the greatest gift a parent can give a child a safe, nurturing home full of love. Thank you, mother, for each and every day that you extended your best self for all of us.
Pat spent most of her days as a happy, vivacious, fulfilled person who found joy in the simplest things. She was generous with advice to her children and grandchildren. She did not shy away from stating her opinion… on anything! You always knew where Pat Post stood on an issue. It was this unique ability that helped her bring out the best in her loved ones. She had many friends throughout her life and enjoyed playing tennis as well as tole painting and stained glass. She was President of the Sebastian County Medical Auxiliary, the Saint Boniface PTA, a Cub Scout Leader, a member of the Bost Foundation Board, and most importantly, the chief “booboo” fixer. Her grandchildren will always fondly remember the many “grandparents’ weeks” she lovingly hosted.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband James Post, her children, Jimmy Post (Jeannene), Carol Post Harper (David), and Lori Post — all of Fort Smith, Ark., Greg Post (Kelly) of Houston, Texas, Chris Post (Terry) of Mineral Wells, Texas, Sharon Post Fair (Ronnie) of Heber Springs, Ark., and Annette Post Horner (Joe) of Germantown, Tenn., sister Judith Pair and niece Terri (Dottie) of Saint Augustine, Florida, and brother Gail Pair of Seminole, Okla. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren: Vanessa, Lara, James, David, Scott, Tonya, Christopher, Natalie, Erica, Haven, Nicholas, Gregory, Jacob, Lucas, Nicole, Denise, Clay, Jay, and 21 great-grandchildren as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends. Well done, Mamaw! Your spirit will live on in us, and we will miss you forever.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 29 at 6 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m., at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 30 at 2 p.m., at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith were she was a long time member. Memorials may be made to Saint Boniface Catholic Church or Abilities Unlimited of Fort Smith.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.