It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann (Shaffer) Quinn on September 1, 2023, at the age of 89. Patricia, affectionately known as Pat, was born on April 6th, 1934, to Clarence A. and Lola E. Shaffer of rural Waldo, Kansas. She graduated from Waldo High School in 1952 and embarked on a remarkable journey through life.

On November 26, 1966, Pat married Lloyd W. Quinn at the Russell United Methodist Church. Together, they made their home in Salina, Kansas, and were blessed with three children: LoAnn, Marci, and Brian Quinn. Pat was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence A. and Lola E. (Dunkel) Shaffer, her in-laws, James Dentzil and Mary Evaline (Cox) Quinn, her beloved siblings, Lloyd Shaffer, Earl Shaffer, Louise Booth, Agnes Sims, Wilma Johnson, Betty Funk, Fern Shaffer, Charles Shaffer, and Vivian Ganoung. She leaves behind a cherished legacy.

Pat’s family includes her husband, Lloyd Quinn; daughter LoAnn and husband, Kevin Burt, along with their daughter, Harper Burt of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Marci and husband, Kevin Kindlesparger of Lindsborg, Kansas, and their children, Kananda and husband, Joel Skinner, along with their son, Thatcher, all of McPherson, Kansas, as well as Karissa, Kyiella, Kylista, and Kysomme Kindlesparger of Lindsborg, Kansas; and son, Brian Quinn and his son, Andrew Quinn of Salina, Kansas. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Shaffer of Waldo, Kansas, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Pat’s adventurous spirit and love for cultural exchange were a hallmark of her life. At a young age, she embarked on an IFYE exchange to Brazil, laying the foundation for her lifelong passion. Pat opened her home to students from all around the world, fostering international friendships and sharing in global traditions. For many years, she worked with the LABO program to place Japanese exchange students and with the EF exchange program, nurturing youth from all corners of the globe. After her own children had grown, she continued to explore the world, relishing the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and participate in cultural events. She loved sharing her knowledge in global experiences and how different cultures could benefit each other.

In addition to her passion for travel, Pat dedicated her time to her grandkids and her talents to her work. She spent many years as a bookkeeper for accountants in both Russell and Salina, Kansas. She also enjoyed several years working at the Dairy Queen in Salina. Her commitment to public service continued in her role at the Saline County Treasurer’s Office, where she also served in the Tag Office. Pat loved visiting with people that came in to pay their taxes until she retired from this role at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of diligence and dedication.

Pat’s boundless love for people, her adventurous spirit, and her dedication to fostering cross-cultural connections will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, September 9th at 10 a.m. at Salina Trinity United Methodist Church.

Donations may be made to Salina Trinity United Methodist Scholarship Fund in honor of Pat Quinn.