DURKIN, PATRICIA ELAINE July 28, 1965 - September 24, 2025

Patricia “Patty” Elaine Durkin, 60, of Osceola, Missouri, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. A woman of sharp wit, fearless curiosity, and profound generosity, Patty’s life was a testament to the joy found in connection, learning, and building a life that mattered.

Born on Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Patty was the third daughter of James and Mary  McGrath. The family settled in Kansas, where she graduated from Topeka West High School in 1983. Her life’s great love story began at 17 while working at Long John Silver’s, where she met a man named Spike. After a brief, humorous miscalculation involving her best friend, Patty realized her soulmate was right in front of her. She married Spike Durkin after just two months of dating on March 24, 1984, launching a beautiful partnership that lasted 41 years.

While Patty held a Business Administration degree from Topeka Technical College and numerous roles, from financial firms to chiropractic offices, her most cherished profession was raising her three children. She was a dedicated soccer coach, PTA member, and the most enthusiastic supporter of her children’s endeavors in theater, music, and sports. Her devotion was so strong she even worked as a lunch lady at De Soto Schools just to stay close to them.

In 1996, the family moved to a 17-acre farm in De Soto, KS, setting the stage for Patty’s legacy. In 2004, she and Spike planted several hundred blueberry bushes, founding Happy Valley Farm. This was her crowning achievement: more than a berry farm and nursery, it was a sanctuary. Its philosophy was not profit, but personal growth, healing, and happiness, touching thousands of lives.

Patty’s passions were as vast as her capabilities. She was a founding force in the Victory Motorcycle Club, organizing cross-country rides, and an early web design pioneer. Her adventurous spirit even led to a Guinness Book of World Records achievement. She was as comfortable mastering her skid steer as she was sitting on the porch with coffee, solving
the world’s problems. She approached the unknown with excitement, believing any task could be learned and mastered. Her immense knowledge was simply a byproduct of her desire to do everything.

Patty is survived by her husband, Spike of Osceola, MO; her children, Katy (Jake) Davis of Tonganoxie, KS, Ashley (Chris Fasl) Durkin of Cedarpines Park, CA, and Trey (Paula Albornoz) Durkin of Santiago, Chile; grandchildren, Elián and Elijah; her father, James (Nina) McGrath; sisters, Peggy McGrath, Judy (Roger) May, and Evelyn Gorden; step- siblings, Adam (Stephanie) Lacey and Amy McIntosh; and many loving relatives. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary.

A reception will be held at the family home from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of cut flowers, which Patty disliked, the family suggests live plants or donations to the Patricia Durkin Memorial Fund in care of Sheldon Goodrich Funeral Home, or via Venmo @Patricia-Durkin-Memorial.

Her sharp mind, generous heart, and fearless spirit will be deeply missed, but the seeds of joy she planted will continue to grow in all who knew her.