Patricia Ann “Patsy” Holobaugh, of Ava, Missouri, formerly of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away June 22, 2024 after an extended illness.
Patsy was born on February 2, 1935 in Black Rock, Arkansas, daughter of Karr and Beulah Holobaugh, and was a graduate of Black Rock High School in 1952. She began working for Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator in a small office above the drug store on Main Street in Black Rock while still in high school, and was later transferred to West Memphis, Blytheville, and Jonesboro, eventually being promoted to a management position, uncommon for a woman in that era. She retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after a 42 year career. Patsy was a beloved and generous person who moved to Ava, Missouri in 1998 to be closer to her family. She devoted her life to helping them and anyone else she encountered in any way she could. She enjoyed many hobbies in her free time, such as watching basketball, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks, traveling, attending concerts and family sporting events. Patsy worked hard at keeping a nice home and yard and would help her family with theirs as well. She always kept up with the latest electronics of her day and loved driving a nice car. She took great pride in her looks, getting her hair done, dressing nicely and generously making sure all her family had nice clothes to wear when they needed them as well. Her kind, loving smile and contagious laugh will always be remembered and cherished.
Patsy is survived by her brothers, Jimmy Holobaugh and wife, Connie, of Ava, MO, Gene Larry Holobaugh of Lake Orion, MI, and their families. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Karr Holobaugh; her mother, Beulah Pearl Moore Holobaugh; her brothers, Robert Holobaugh and Walter Holobaugh and wife, Clementine; sister, Mary Ellen Smith and husband, Franklin (Brownie), and sister-in-law Laura Holobaugh. She was a lifelong member of the Black Rock Baptist Church.
Graveside memorial services will be held at the Ava Cemetery, Ava, MO at 10 a.m., July 12, 2024 under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Officiating will be Pastor Oren Alcorn. Memorial donations in memory of Patsy can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Alzheimers Association.
