Patricia "Patty" (Pauley) Rummage

Patricia "Patty" Rummage of Prescott, Arizona, entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on the afternoon of July 9, 2026, at the age of 84. Surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she peacefully slipped from this world as they sang two of her favorite hymns, It Is Well with My Soul and Amazing Grace. Patty was born on October 5, 1941, to Margaret and John Pauley, a young couple who had arrived in Prescott by train the year before with little more than hope and determination. Unable to afford a crib, they lovingly placed their baby daughter in an apple crate from their humble grocery store. In a remarkable full-circle moment, that very location is now the kitchen area of Solid Rock Christian Fellowship (formerly First Baptist Church), where Patty faithfully served others for decades. From the beginning, Patty possessed a gift for friendship. One of her first childhood friends was the owner of the neighborhood penny candy store, where she delighted in spending the coins she carried in her little patent leather purse. When entertainment was scarce, four-year-old Patty would simply call the telephone operator and ask if she was available to come play. Her persistent efforts to convince her younger sister, Peggy, to skip nap time earned Patty an early trip to kindergarten at Washington Elementary School. She attended Prescott Junior High School, where the Yavapai County Jail now stands, and later Prescott High School, now the site of Prescott Mile High Middle School. Patty proudly served as the Prescott High School Badger mascot and loved to say that you hadn't truly supported your team unless you lost your voice cheering. She graduated with the Prescott High School Class of 1959. Patty continued her education at Grand Canyon College, graduating in 1963. Before her senior year, she married fellow student Robert Rummage in 1962. Together they welcomed two children, Amanda in 1966 and Thad in 1971. Later that same year, Patty began the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising her children as a single mother. Patty's teaching career spanned more than five decades and touched countless lives. She began at Washington Elementary School, continued at Dexter Elementary, and later taught at Prescott Mile High Middle School. After retiring from Prescott Unified School District in 1997, she spent another ten years teaching in the one-room schoolhouse at Skull Valley Elementary. She often reflected on those years as a return to the true heart of education—loving children first and teaching the curriculum second. Even after leaving Skull Valley Elementary, Patty continued accepting long-term substitute teaching assignments at Prescott Mile High Middle School and Prescott High School. The more challenging the classroom, the more she seemed to thrive, and the more her students flourished under her patient guidance and unwavering encouragement. In every aspect of her life, Patty served the Lord by helping others. While raising two children and teaching full-time, she faithfully served as the College Class Sunday School teacher and sponsor at Solid Rock Christian Fellowship (formerly First Baptist Church). Their home became a gathering place for countless college students—a home filled with laughter, lively conversations, good food, and open doors. There was always room for one more person at the dinner table and always a bed available for anyone needing rest. Each fall, the annual college retreat at Mingus Springs Camp fostered spiritual growth, lifelong friendships, and more than a few memorable adventures. It was this vibrant college ministry that launched the 5 & 2 Soup Kitchen, which has faithfully served Prescott's homeless community for approximately forty years without ever missing a Monday evening meal. Patty was joyfully in the middle of it all—exactly where she loved to be. Patty truly lived a life of service. Matthew 25:40 reminds us, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Patty lived these words every day. She fed the hungry, welcomed strangers, clothed those in need, cared for the sick, encouraged the discouraged, taught generations of children, and loved every person God placed in her path. She gave generously, loved deeply, laughed wholeheartedly, and never hesitated to answer God's call. For the past forty years, Patty also faithfully gathered with her prayer partners every Friday morning to lift up the needs of others. Countless lives have been touched and strengthened through those steadfast prayers. She is survived by her children, Amanda (Garry) Chartier and Thad (Kendi) Rummage; her sister, Peggy Pauley; and her brother, John II (Cheryl) Pauley. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Garrett (Chloe), J.T. (Cam), Abigail, Jadon (Brittney), and Jed; her niece, Brook; her nephew, Jay (Sarah), and their children, Jay and Arla. She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of J.T. and Cam's baby, a blessing she looked forward to meeting. Welcoming Patty into Heaven were her parents, Margaret and John Pauley; many beloved aunts and uncles; and dear friends and faithful prayer partners Jodie, Marilyn, and Doris. Patty's understanding of family reached far beyond blood relationships. She lovingly embraced Ben and Alleyama Joseph and their children, Jason and Asha; Mark and Shelly Baker and their children, Taylor and Ali; Mark Priola and his children, Kimberly Grace and Dominic; along with countless others who found a place in her heart and at her table. A memorial service celebrating Patty's life will be held on Saturday, September 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Christian Fellowship (formerly First Baptist Church Downtown), 148 S. Marina Street, Prescott. In true Patty fashion, guests are encouraged to carpool—she always loved a good car ride with friends. Immediately following the service at Solid Rock Christian Fellowship , family and friends are invited to enjoy appetizers and fellowship featuring many of Patty's favorite treats, including root beer floats. Flowers are lovely, but we would suggest donations may be made to the following organizations (note Patty Rummage memorial on your gifts): ● 5 & 2 Soup Kitchen: Solid Rock Christian Fellowship 148 S. Marina Street, Prescott, AZ 86303 ● Prescott High School Distinguished Alumni Association, District Office, 300 East Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301 ● PHS Half Century Scholarship Fund, 300 East Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301 or online at www.PUSDEducationFoundation.com/donate.

Patricia "Patty" (Pauley) Rummage

October 5, 1941 - July 9, 2026