After a long courageous struggle Patience Emma Walters, 87 years of age, left her earthly home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ on April 23, 2011.
She was born in Wakefield, Rhode Island to George and Louise Gardiner.
Patience attended Physicians Assistant Medical School in New York City and became a member of the first graduating class. She moved to Liberal, Kansas and while working as a Physicians Assistant, she met her future husband, Hugh Walters. They were united in marriage for almost 60 years and blessed with 4 children.
Patience was proud to be a loving, devoted wife and mother. Her faith and spirituality were an integral part of her life, God was a personal friend to her. She was an active, lifelong Episcopalian, who was involved in almost all of the church ministries. Her beautiful soprano voice was lifted in hymns of praise in the choir. She loved serving on the altar, giving communion as part of L.E.M., writing cards and letters in recognition of special occasions and participating in E.C.W. ministries. As a truly spiritual woman, Patience prayed for many people on a daily basis.
In 1984, Patience and Hugh retired to Sebastian, Florida from Paola, KS. The hurricane in 2004 destroyed their home and they established their new residence in Micco, Florida.
Patience is survived by her four children, Nancy Aspegren of Russell, KS, Jay (Tajuania) Walters of Fontana, KS, Jeffrey (Ginger) Walters of Paola, KS, and Wendy Peckman of the home, seven grandchildren Jenifer (Eric), Justin( Kristie), Sheramie (Jeremy), Joe (Stephanie), Treva (Tom), Heather and Sarah, and 13 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Hugh, son-in-law- Chuck Peckman, great grandson Renner Trumbly and great granddaughter Lacey Penn.
Patience will be remembered for her compassion for others, her gentle, kind spirit and of course, her million dollar smile that touched so many lives. She was truly one in a million and we were blessed with her presence.
Services for Patience will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 10:00 am at St. Elizabeths Episcopal Church, 901 Clearmont, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church.