CUSTER, Patsy Ruth (Mills) - b. July 5, 1933 - d. March 25, 2022

[patyrn]

Patsy Ruth Custer, 90, a resident of Moline, Kansas, passed away March 25, 2022 surrounded by family.  She was born on July 6, 1931 in rural Moline to Orville and Audrey (Wolverton) Mills, one of ten children.

Pat grew up in Moline and attended Moline schools and later earned an Agricultural degree.  In school, she met Jack K. Custer, and after graduation, the two were married on July 9, 1950.  Together they became quite the entrepreneurial unit.  They owned several businesses throughout their lifetimes including Jack's Plumbing the Corner Cafe, the Moline Lumberyard, the General Store and the Cattleman's Motel where Pat loved to cook for and chat with her customers.  The couple were married for almost 40 years and had great adventures.  They traveled to 49 of the 50 states, all except Hawaii.  They also ventured to Canada and spent many summers in Colorado at their family cabin that Jack's parents built.  They also spent summers in Texas where the family worked on their shrimp boat.  Jack and Pat loved going to Las Vegas.  She was quite the traveler and loved to go go go, even if it was just in her little sporty sedan munching on her candy. 

Pat was very social, being a member of Eastern Star and Astrology Club, volunteering at many churches, playing cards, and going dancing with her friends.  She was a great cook which is why so many ventures were carried out in the restaurant/hospitality business. 

Although running multiple businesses takes much time and energy, Pat took on the role as a mother to their six children.  She was well known for her homemade chicken and noodles and German Chocolate cake without coconut.  She loved pretty things for her house and also loved fashion, getting all dressed up in her sparkly clothes, jewelry, and shoes, and she loved shopping for these items.  She always looked her best and was also very generous.  She loved shopping for others.  She enjoyed her weekly visit to the beauty shop and did not like to miss her hair appointment.  She took on many roles as a mom but none as important as the one she took once her babies had babies, Grandma.  Her face just lit up when she saw babies. Pat had a great sense of humor and could talk to anyone for hours.  Her generosity and compassion for her family and community will be greatly missed.

Pat leaves behind her children, Terry (Karen) Custer of Atchison, Kansas, Debi Schultz of Lansing, Kansas, Janie (Keven) Berry of Moline, Kansas, Pattie Girard of Moline, Kansas, and Robbie Custer of Moline, Kansas; her sister-in-law, Joyce Mills of Clearwater, Kansas; grandchildren, Raychel, Dylan, Tina, Sheena, Patrice, Jacquelyn, Kolvin, Keyden, Kizer, Gabe, Lelani, Zeke, Onna, Zoie, Kelven, Chinelle, Colwin, and Aidin; and 9 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, Jack, Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Kevin Custer; and her siblings, Dorothy, Beryle, Gene, Calvin, Margie, Betty, Harold Dean, Jack, and Rodger. 

Visitation will be held at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Services will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Moline, Kansas at 1:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Moline Baptist Church.  Online condolences can be left at www.countrysidefh.com  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)