1937-2025
Patricia Kay Trent, 87, daughter of Carson and Wilma (Howell) Downing, was born Oct. 21, 1937, at home near Monteith. She passed away Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at her home near Monteith.
Patricia graduated from Panora High School in 1955. In 1955, she married William Kinsey, and to this union four children were born: Julie, Trudy, Kathy and Kurt. They made their home on a farm south of Panora. Patricia spent her time raising her children and being a farm wife. In 1975, Patricia and Bill divorced. On Dec. 31, 1979, she married Merle Trent, enlarging her family with Debra and Sandy Trent. Just five months after they were married, Pat and Merle were caring for Sandy’s 6-week old and 2-year old girls while she recovered from a stroke.
Patricia was a cook for congregate meals for a short time following the divorce. Then later, she found her passion as a volunteer for EveryStep Hospice for the past 22 years.
Grandma “Cookie,” as she was known to her grandchildren, was always prepared for a visit with cookies. Pat was well known as an excellent baker making hundreds of beautiful wedding cakes and much-loved, cute kid’s birthday cakes. Spending time with grandchildren was the greatest joy of her life, putting a huge smile on her face.
She enjoyed time spent with friends playing cards. Many, many people received birthday and anniversary cards from her annually; she rarely missed one. She also enjoyed spending time with her lifelong friends “The Butt Sisters.” When together, it was always a “hoot.”
Being outside and tending her garden was important to Pat. She would always say, “Unfortunately, mostly pulling weeds.”
She was a member of the Sunshine Club and the Morrisburg Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Julie (Doug) Davis of Panora; Trudy (Ed) Woolman of Stuart; Kathy (Dave) Olson of Delta, Colorado; and Sandy Trent of Waukee; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Downing of Linden; and sister Jeri Jean (Doyle) Motsick of Panora. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merle; son, Kurt Kinsey; step-daughter, Debra Trent; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Downing.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in the West Cemetery, Panora. Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.