Pati Cates

Birth date: Oct 15, 1953 Death date: May 11, 2025

Celebrating the Life of Pati Cates Pati was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, the second child of James and Ouida Maxwell. She earned a Master of Education degree from the University of North Dakota; her major field and her profe Read Obituary

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Patricia Epperhart

20w ago

Pati was such a dear friend, mentor, and encourager. Our years together in the 80s and 90s were full of family vacations together, church fellowships and Sunday nights at Dairy Queen. Pati invited me to come to her classroom weekly to teach Spanish to her students, which gave me the inspiration to teaching Spanish full time when we moved to Arkansas. I could always count on her for advice, wisdom, and respect to be the best that I could be. She was there for me during my battle with cancer, organizing a “meal train” before that was even a thing. She started our annual neighborhood July 4th parade creating fond memories for our family of friends. She trusted me to teach piano to her children and even left Jim with me to extend his stay on a Colorado ski trip. I admired her so much and especially her devotion to Richard. I have missed her greatly since we moved away so many years ago, but she’ll always have a special place in my heart. Patricia Epperhart

Cassie Williams

22w ago

I had privilege of being one of Pati “Cakes” students in kindergarten and it was the most magical year. I remember her alphabet characters she would hide around the classroom and it was so fun to find them. Most of all, I remember how Pati made me feel - so special and important, even at such a young age. 🤍

Barbara Smith

22w ago

Pati Cates was an educator, supervisor, colleague, advocate for children and their families, and my very dear friend. In what seemed to be a lifetime acquaintance was merely the joy of knowing and working closely with someone who truly understood the growth and development of young children. I have known Pati Cates for over twenty five years and I know that she will be missed. Pati had such a profound impression on the young teachers that she taught each year. She had a way of presenting herself not just in the lab school but in the classroom and in public as a professional Early Childhood educator. She loved to research and share her latest findings with her staff and college students. She believed that adults should behave and be treated as adults, and that children should be respected and treated as children. Pati may not have adorned a visible cape as she led her staff through several national accreditation and re-accreditation, and continued to be rated as a four star environment given by the Texas Rising Start organization. Her pink poncho and red lipstick did the job. Barbara Smith

Patricia Malott

22w ago

Mrs. Pati was so very loving and family oriented. You knew she wanted everyone to succeed! She poured her heart and soul into everything she did! I was blessed to have had her as my instructor and supervisor. She loved who she was and loved what she did for others! And yes she was an awesome cook. This beautiful lady will truly be missed. But I'm sure she will continue to share her self for ever! Thanks Pati Cates for all you have done for me! Lots of to her family.
Pat Malott 💜

Philip Hinz

22w ago

So sorry to hear of Pati’s passing. Directly after Anne and mine’s college years, I remember visiting their home frequently…and watching the new ‘Lost’ episode(s). With that, came dinners at times. I remember her smile and how she was always so willing to sit, talk, and just naturally offer her advice…no matter the topic.

Karen Nichols-Hutto

22w ago

Sending you all my love. Having worked for Pati for so many years there are so many wonderful memories. Pati was a wonderful cook and baker and she always treated us with delicious pies, her chocolate sheet cake, and her friendship tea. Ironically, my mother also passed away 2 days before Mother's Day, and I will never forget her kindness in allowing me time off from work to spend time with my mom before and after she passed. Pati was like a mother to me and I will remember her always.

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