Patricia Essman

Patricia Jane "Patty" Essman, 72, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Midland Hospice in Topeka, Kansas.

Patty was born on November 27, 1941 in Richmond Kansas. She was one of nine children born to Joseph Richard and Mary Belle Coffey. She moved to Rossville at an early age living on a farm west of town with Harry and Etta Gutshall. During her years at Rossville High School she participated in many activities including drum majorette for the band and she was an RHS cheerleader. She graduated from Rossville High School in 1959.

After high school, Patty married Gerald D Perry and together they raised four children in Rossville. As a devoted mother of four, she was a stay-at-home mom involved in many of the children's activities such as 4H and girl scouts. She worked for Kidney Insurance Company from the office and at home as she raised her children. In 1974, Patty and Jerry divorced.

She married Samuel R. Essman of Topeka on January 30, 1976 and they had a daughter together. Patty, Sam and their daughter moved to Texas in 1978 where she worked for Assurance Specialist of Texas as an insurance specialist for almost 35 years. She and Sam were members of the Tree of Life Church and volunteered time to Sunday communion services. After many happy years of marriage, she lost her husband Sam on December 20, 2002. Patty continued to live in Texas until June of 2013 when she retired and returned to Kansas.

Patty is survived by her children Tammy (Chris) Petrocelli, NJ, Sherrie Thomas, Topeka, Tate (Kristy) Perry, Silver Lake, Holly (Scott) Graves, Rossville, Crystal (Narciso) Gomez, TX and 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her step-children Randy Essman, Terry (Linda) Essman, Keith Essman, Benny Essman and Diane DeHart, all of Topeka. Surviving siblings include a brother, Fred Coffey and sister Shirley Kitto of Parker and Phyllis (David) Stadler of Rossville.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Sheldon Eugene, Mary Lou, Etta Yvonne, Joseph Richard and Betty Jo.

Mrs. Essman will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Piper Funeral Chapel in Rossville. A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at the Rossville Bible Church. Inurnment will follow at the Rossville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Midland Hospice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 642, Rossville, Kansas 66533. Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.