Patricia Ellen Mothersead's Obituary
Patricia Ellen Moody Mothersead, lovingly known as Pat and Patty, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 79 years old.
Patricia was born on April 5, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ellen Greenwood Smith Moody and Charles J. Moody. She was preceded in death by her parents, who instilled in her the values of love, resilience, and compassion that she carried throughout her life.
Pat graduated from Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1964 and went on to attend Utah State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in office administration with a minor in English in 1968. During her time at USU, she was inducted into the honor societies of Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Lambda Delta, achievements that reflected her dedication to learning and excellence.
Pat later retired from the Virginia Employment Commission in April 2011, where she dedicated many years of service helping others and forming lasting friendships with her colleagues.
Family was at the center of Patricia’s world, and her greatest pride was in her role as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters: Anne Greenwood Mothersead (fiancé Stan Grubb), Mary Elizabeth Rowland (husband George Rowland), and Catherine Suzanne Butler (husband Greg Butler). She was a proud grandmother to Will Southerland, Makayla Breeden, Marcus Rowland, Riley Rowland, Sophia Butler, and Savannah Butler. Patricia is also survived by her loving sister, Charlotte McGee of Colorado, her niece, Leah M. McGee; and many extended family and friends who cherished her.
Patricia’s life was marked by kindness, strength, and a warm sense of humor. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued, whether with her thoughtful words, her laughter, or her ability to listen with a caring heart. She loved traveling to other countries and embracing new experiences, but her happiest moments were often found close to home—gardening in the sunshine, playing bridge with friends, spending time with her grandchildren, and surrounding herself with animals. She especially loved sheep, collecting sheep-themed treasures that brought her joy and reflected her gentle spirit.
Those who knew Patricia will remember her resilience and grace, even in the face of life’s hardest challenges. She lived each day with courage and generosity, and her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff of Compassus, Dr. Viscuse and his nurse Alexis Brown, the Emily Couric Cancer Center, and the UVA Oncology teams in both Charlottesville and Pantops, as well as to everyone who offered love and kindness throughout Patricia’s journey.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share memories of the remarkable woman she was.
Patricia’s life was a testament to love, faith, and strength, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family invites those unable to attend to watch via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1NjQ4NTU4NzM3ODI2MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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