of Yellville, AR

January 18, 1949 - October 3, 2021

On January 18, 1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the family of Elbert and Martha Graves was blessed by the arrival of their baby daughter Patsy Dean. Patsy was born into what would become a large family with many beloved siblings. She lost her heart to a tall young man she first saw on a baseball field, and on May 20, 1967, she married that young fellow, Jimmie C. Raley, and began a 54 yearlong union that served as a model to their children for what sacrificial love in a marriage looks like. Together, they raised their large family in a home that was filled with love and laughter.

Patsy loved her Jesus, her family, her flowers, and her vegetable garden, probably in that order. She was the rare sort of person that could take on any task and do it well, and she put particular effort into making her home a place of comfort, joy, and love. She unconditionally loved her family and was gifted in her ability to make each child feel special and unique. She delighted in taking special care of her loved ones. Favorite family stories include how she would iron Jimmie's underwear on winter mornings so he wouldn't have to put them on cold or how she would wake up extra early each morning so she could serve a hot breakfast. On school days, her children would laughingly tell her how the kids on the bus would longingly sniff them as they walked by and tell them they smelled like bacon.

Patsy was a gifted cook who delighted in making large, delicious meals for her family and guests. Most loved were her hot rolls that were so light, buttery, and delicious that they were greatly anticipated by those invited to a meal. Invitations to eat at Patsy's table were prized and everyone was sent away with a full belly and to-go plate while Patsy and Jimmie stood outside to wave goodbye.

After a hard battle with a virus that is wreaking havoc on many other families too, Patsy passed from this world unexpectedly and much too soon on October 3, 2021 and has left her family grieving and bereft yet hopeful in their confidence of one day hugging her again in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by one child; her mother and father; a beloved sister, Kathleen; and a granddaughter, Emma. She is survived by her husband, Jimmie; her daughter, April Hoyt and husband Rich with grandchildren Micah, Timothy, Anthony, Butch, and Anabel; her daughter, Eve Hatman and husband Kelly with grandchildren Saxton, Trenton, Lauren, Eden, and Allison; her daughter, Katie Abbott and husband David with grandchildren Christian, Trinity, and Jacob; her son, Josh Raley; her son, Clint Raley and wife Briana with grandchildren Owen and Mila; and son, Jim Raley with wife Nicole. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Saturday October 9, 2021 at Roller-Burns Funeral Home Chapel in Yellville with Vernon Livingston officiating.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time.

Interment will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Yellville.

Memorials may be made to Y-S School for Kids Fund, 1124 N. Panther Ave., Yellville, AR 72687.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Burns Funeral Home
725 North Panther Ave.
Yellville, AR  72687
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com