Patricia J. (Scudder) Smith

Patricia Joan Scudder Smith, 97, formerly of Geneseo, passed away on March 16, 2026.   A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, IL.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed, in Patricia’s honor, to the Chicago Cat Rescue, PO Box 146338, Chicago, IL, 60614. 

Born December 7, 1928. in Geneseo, IL, to Gladys and Clay Scudder where she lived until her early 20s. Patricia (known to many Geneseoers as "Patty Jo" in her younger years) graduated from Geneseo High School in 1946.

Patricia was a flight attendant for United Airlines for 46 years. Based out of Chicago Midway until 1959, when she transferred and moved to Los Angeles for the rest of her career, retiring in 1998. After retirement, Patricia volunteered at the J. Paul Getty Museum as a docent for several years. Patricia married the love of her life, Ralph Jene Smith, in January 1966, and the marriage lasted over 50 years until the passing of Ralph in March of 2016.

Survived by her loving son Michael, born in 1972, and his husband Chris. Patricia is also survived by cousins Jan and Stan Scharff of Le Claire, Iowa, and their family, brother Billy Scudder of Springfield, Oregon, and his family, as well as several other nieces and nephews and many friends.