The Richmond News, Aug. 29, 2025

Patricia “Pat” Ann Hardison, 76, of Richmond passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at North Kansas City Hospital.

Pat was born Sept. 9, 1948, in Kansas City, the daughter of James Edward and Mary Jane (Kirby) Sperbeck.

She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Clyde Hardison of Richmond on May 14, 1970. He preceded her in death on Oct. 2, 2024.

Survivors include her daughter, Tracy (Scott) Fitch of Richmond; two granddaughters, Shelby Dawn Schnettgoecke and Emily Ann (Sam) Maples; and four greatgrandchildren, Rilynn Blu Schnettgoecke, Lynden Schnettgoecke, Truitt Vandiver and Sloane Whitley Maples.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Susan Sperbeck-Daugherty.

Pat was raised and educated in Richmond, graduating in 1967 from Richmond High School.

In addition to devoting herself to raising her family, she worked outside the home as a human resource manager for Boyles Famous Corned Beef Co. in Kansas City, Cardinal Health of Kansas City and the Kansas City Kings (now Sacramento Kings) basketball team.

She had a lifelong love for “The Wizard of Oz” and enjoyed collecting characters and memorabilia from the movie. She also built cherished collections of Longaberger baskets and Boyd’s Bears.

Pat was known for her wonderful cooking, with her granddaughters especially remembering her as the maker of “the best brownies.”

She enjoyed watching cooking shows, “Gunsmoke” and “M*A*S*H.” She never passed up an opportunity to add to her shoe collection.

Above all, Pat treasured her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, finding her greatest joy in time spent with family. She was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and will be remembered for her love, warmth and the many ways she made those around her feel special.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Miss Ray County Scholarship Pageant. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation was scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Richmond. Please share your memories of Pat with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.