Patsy Ruth Hale Kay

Patsy Kay, 81, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully in her Waco home on October 11, 2007. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at Jonesboro Baptist Church with Rev. Neil Matthews officiating. Following the services her remains will be cremated and buried in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Monday at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville. Patsy was born on August 17, 1926 in Coryell County to the late Ollie and Neta Pennington Hale. She attended school in Oglesby, with the majority of her school years spent in Jonesboro, TX. She was active in athletics, especially in basketball and helped to take her team to championship playoffs and wins. Patsy also attended 4-C Business College in Waco and A&M Continuing Education in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her proudest accomplishment was learning to fly at Waco Flying School at MCC, graduating first in her class in the early 80’s. During her later professional life Patsy was owner and CEO of Bailey Employment Service as well as having extensive involvement in Herbert’s business, Command Aire Corporation in McGregor. Together they built the business from the ground up, with customers all over the world. After they retired in the late seventies, she and Herbert traveled around the world. Settling in Naples, Florida they enjoyed many years there. After the death of her beloved husband, Herbert, of 27 years in 2000, she returned to her home town of Jonesboro and was extensively involved in her community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Community Center. Patsy was an active member of Jonesboro Baptist Church where she aided the church in the memory of her parents. She built and opened Glean and Gather, a grocery store, as well building a mercantile store, both for the Jonesboro Community. She took great joy in being able to replace the Eagles Basketball court for the Jonesboro ISD, building a community park, and helping others anonymously. Patsy is survived by her daughters, Janneta Ruth Genthe of Leander, TX, Judy Ann Picciandra, and husband David of Waco; grandchildren, Heather Picciandra and John Picciandra; great grandsons, Brandon Picciandra and Jonathan Picciandra; sisters, Audrey Lord, Ann Malpass, Louise Qualls, Pamela Matthews; brother, Kenneth Hale and many nieces and nephews.