Venita Patzell of Manhattan passed on October 26, 2025. Venita was born to Joe and Pearl Jarboe on June 10, 1935. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Larned High School with the Class of 1953. In the Fall of 1953, she entered Brown-Mackie, School of Business. After graduation from Brown-Mackie, she moved to Manhattan and was employed by the Kansas State Physical Education Department.
While in high school she met Bill Patzell, they were engaged in the spring of '54, and married April 11, 1955. Venita was a "stay at home mom" while the children were small. She enjoyed having the titles Scout Leader, Home Room Mother, etc. As the children grew, she became more involved in the family business, Manhattan Floral Company, and she was once again called upon to use her secretarial skills. Venita embraced the beauty of flowers and the joy they brought to all. She worked "diligently "and enjoyed her many years there, and all the friends that she made at the shop.
Venita was an active and faithful member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. She had many friends and enjoyed volunteering at the Seven Dolors Budget Shop and the time she spent in the Adoration Chapel. She was a member of Circle 4 at Seven Dolors Altar Society, where one of her favorite activities was helping with funeral dinners. As a "middle ager" she began snow skiing and was proud to say she was still snow skiing at the age of "70"! She was most fortunate to be able to enjoy travel with friends to Switzerland, Ireland, England, Scotland.
She Is survived by sons, Christopher D. Patzell (Cathy),of Canton, Ohio, Curtis J. Patzell of Mandan, North Dakota, daughters, Cynthia K. Esch (Rodney) Denver, Colorado, Ann D Patzell-Hefner of Des Peres, Missouri, and Amy E. Lee (Jamie) of Manhattan; 9 Grandchildren: Wendy, Corey, Jessica, Cortney, Andrew, Brett, Adam, Allison, and Amy, 14 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild; Sisters Mary Will and Cheryl Robertson.
Venita was preceded in death by the love of her life, and partner in crime, Bill Patzell, a daughter, Constance Mary, born to the couple in January, 1956 and passed February, 1956, her parents, Joe and Pearl Jarboe, brothers, Robert and Joe Jarboe, and sister, Rosetta Garnand. Her smile and laughter lit up a room and will be missed by all.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00p.m. Sunday November 2, 2025, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. A Parish Vigil will follow at 5:00p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel.Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday November 3, at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan, with Father Kerry Ninemire as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com