Patsy Long Skidmore

by Lynn McMillen
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Patsy Long Skidmore, 97, of Huntsville, passed away April 24, 2022. She is predeceased by her husband, Phil Skidmore. They enjoyed 70 years together and had two daughters, Patricia Ann Tawiyaka of British Columbia, Canada and Rebecca Ellen Murphy of Birmingham, AL; son-in-law, Bill Murphy; three grandsons, Joshua, Adam and Nicholas Murphy; granddaughters, Nina Butler and Brittani Dunn; great-grandson, Hayden Dunn; and six great-granddaughters, Siena and Savanna Butler, Ryleigh Dunn, and Lindy, Leanna, and Laina Murphy. Pat was also predeceased by two sisters, Kaye Edmondson and Ada Jarvia and brother, Charles Long. She is survived by one brother, William Long and two sisters, Mary Doris and Clara Qualls, and many nieces and nephews.

Pat was born in Albany, KY in 1925 and the oldest of 7 children. After high school in Albany, she went to Western Kentucky University and received a BS degree in Education. Later she attended the University of Louisville and received her MA degree in Early Childhood Education. While attending WKU, she met Phil and they married in 1946. Phil had just returned from WWII, serving in the Navy. He wanted to continue college at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, so they moved to Chicago and Pat worked for the Chicago Tribune while Phil attended college. Their first daughter, Patricia Ann, was born in 1950. They moved to Louisville in 1956 and Pat began teaching in the elementary grades. She had another daughter, Rebecca Ellen, in 1962. This was a happy surprise after 12 years of wanting another child. In 1983, Pat retired from teaching and in 1986, Phil retired after 36 years with the company. They decided to move to Vero Beach, FL, where they enjoyed golf the year round. It was hard to leave Louisville, but loved life in Florida for 15 yeas.

Pat and Phil enjoyed traveling. They took many driving trips around the country while the daughters were young. Also, they did many foreign trips together.

In 2004, they moved to Huntsville, AL to be near a daughter and family. Phil developed health problems and they wanted to be near family.

Phil like to tell people that he made a Skidmore of Pat and she mad a Presbyterian of him. They were active in their church where ever they lived.

The both felt blessed to have a long happy life together, and a long life to see their daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren maturing and enjoying life.

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