Patsy Ann McGreal

Patsy McGreal FRUIT HEIGHTS - Patsy Ann McGreal, 77, passed away suddenly at her home October 2, 2012. Born July 5, 1935, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, she was the eldest child of Charles and Jewel Romines Chasteen. She worked as a secretary for Phillips Petroleum Company and became a proficient stenographer – later she would amaze her children with her ability to write “secret” shorthand notes that only she could interpret. In 1962, Patsy married Airman William McGreal in Wichita Falls, TX and supported him tirelessly during his 30 year career in the United States Air Force and their 47 year marriage. Together they reared their children at over ten different Air Force Bases in the US and overseas. Throughout her life, Patsy had a passion for painting. A self-taught arts and crafts painter, “Patsy’s Paintin’s” were well known in each community the family was stationed. She later accomplished many fine art portraits and landscapes, often sharing her work with neighbors, friends, and family. She collected, traded and sold vintage dolls; enjoying the intricacies of carefully choosing each doll for her collection and making “doll friends” all over the world. A voracious reader, Patsy was conversant on many subjects and enjoyed lively conversation, especially at bookstore cafés. Patsy is survived by her children, Timothy McGreal of Cameron, NC; Mary McGreal and Vern Waters of Layton, UT; Heidi McGreal of Portland, OR; loving grandchildren, Lauren Waters, Dylan Waters and Stacy McGreal and brother, James and Evelyn Chasteen of Beaverton, IL. She will be forever in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents, brother Thomas, and sister Jo Dawn who passed away in July. Patsy missed her sister dearly. At Patsy’s request, a private family service will be held at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary. “I watch the leaves drift by my window, The autumn leaves – red, green and gold, Then comes a time for just an instant, I see your face and mine will show – it’s not the best of times I know, And then you’re gone and left behind, a floodtide of my mourning soul’s tears” – from Patsy’s notebook