Patricia F. Heaton

Patricia (Pati) Faith Crawford Heaton, age 74, of Kearney, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, at Kearney Regional Medical Center. Patricia choose to donate her body to science. A Celebration of Life will be held at Yanney Park in the Gail and Michael Yanney Pavilion, Saturday November 15th, from 12:00 to 3:00. Please join us in happy remembrance of her shared love with all of her loved ones. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Pati was born on June 17, 1951, in Arcadia, Nebraska. Pati and her parents moved to Lincoln in 1956 and then to Kearney in 1958. She attended Kearney Public Schools and graduated from Kearney High School in 1969. Pati and her husband, Keith, were high school sweethearts. They were married on a crazy, snowy day—November 21, 1973. Together, they were blessed with two boys, Balin and Tyson, and two wonderful grandsons, Alex and Connor. She loved all her boys so much! Pati loved to learn! She earned a degrees in Dental Assisting and Interior Design from Kearney State College. She loved to read, garden, work with children and absolutely adored her many cats and dogs through the years. She loved with her whole heart and soul in all that she did. Throughout her life, Pati faced many health challenges but remained incredibly strong in the face of them all. In her final act of generosity, she made the greatest gift of donating her body to science, hoping her contributions would help ease the pain and suffering of others. Pati was a very strong, courageous woman. No matter what she was able to carry on with her head held high. Pati was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Pati is survived by her husband, Keith; sons, Tyson and Balin & Laura Heaton, grandsons; Alex and Conner and her sister, Dee (Crawford) McClenahan, all of Kearney. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Donna Crawford.

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Patricia F. Heaton

June 17, 1951 - October 31, 2025