Patricia Lee Van Horne (Salem) Wilkinson died June 27, 2021, in Lawson, MO at the age of 90. She was born December 27, 1930, in Salina, Kansas. She was the daughter of Vaughn and Cleatice (Muller) Van Horne.
After the death of her mother and brother in 1931, she was raised by her grandparents Fred and Ruth Van Horne.
In 1946 she became a member of Christ Episcopal Cathedral, Salina, KS and was a member from the age of 16 until her death. The Cathedral meant so much to her.
Pat lived her entire life in Salina with the exception of one year in Washington DC, working for the FBI as a clerical clerk. While in DC, she met her husband, Frederick “Fred” Salem. They married on January 19, 1952, and soon moved to Salina.
Pat and Fred had 3 daughters, Linda, Lisa, and Donna. Pat was a homemaker and was active in Episcopal Christ Cathedral, PTA, and Sorority. She worked for 28 years as a librarian clerk in Salina USD 305 elementary schools between 1970 and 1998. Many students knew her as Mrs. Salem.
After retiring, Pat volunteered as the historian and later the official archivist for Christ Cathedral. Pat discovered many interesting facts about the early church and authored a book about Christ Cathedral titled “Christ Cathedral, A Priceless Heritage.” She was an expert on the stained-glass windows of the church, giving tours and lectures about them. Pat’s longtime Church member and friend believes Pat is now trying to get her hands on the records of the early history of heaven.
After Fred’s passing in 2001, she met and married Norman Wilkinson in 2002. She enjoyed discussing history and traveling with Norm. They remained married until Norm passed in 2008.
In 2019 she moved to Lawson, MO to be closer to family.
Also preceding her in death are her grandparents who raised her; Fred and Ruth Van Horne, father; Vaughn Van Horne, mother; Cleatice Van Horne, brothers; Bobby Dale Van Horne and Gary Neal Van Horne.
She is survived by Linda Kary, Topeka, KS; Lisa (Rob) Smalley, Lawson, MO; Donna (Tom) Roughton, Austin, TX. A brother, Fred Van Horne, Hemet, CA. Six beloved grandchildren: John, Ryan, and Adam Kary, Mike and Chris Smalley, and Brianna Roughton. Seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Also, her cousin, who was more of a sister then a cousin, Verlene House Neuway.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 8th at 2 p.m. at Christ Cathedral 138 S. 8th St. Salina, Kansas. Graveside service to follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, Kansas.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St. Salina, Kansas. Family attending until 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Pat would be honored to have a memorial contribution made in her name to Christ Cathedral in memory of Pat Wilkinson.
Rest In Peace Mom