Pat Medaris

Pat was born on July 5, 1921, in Sale, Victoria, Australia. An accomplished violinist, Pat played in the New South Wales Junior Orchestra in Sydney. She was educated in Catholic schools and served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. In 1945 she met J. Robert (Bob) Medaris in a chance encounter on Sydney's Bondi Beach while Bob was on a short leave from the U.S. Air Corps. They corresponded regularly throughout the next two and a half years until 1947 when Pat set sail, bound for America. The couple was married in Golden, Colorado, where Bob attended Colorado School of Mines, earning his degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1949, shortly after the birth of their first child. "Home is where you hang your hat," Pat would say as life took her family to live in five different countries and to visit many, many others. Ships, never to be called boats, were always her favorite mode of travel and her bags were always packed. She took great pleasure in sharing cruises with Bob, friends and family taking her last shipboard experience at 90, setting sail from Seattle. Pat was an often self-taught woman with many natural and self-taught talents. She excelled on the golf course and tennis court, as well as at the bridge table. She entertained herself and many guests playing the organ and piano and enjoyed singing. Three generations of children were lovingly lulled to sleep as Pat tirelessly sang "Old Woman" and "Paddy McGintry's Goat," and of course, "Waltzing Matilda." In her later years Inverness Village residents heard her enthusiastic voice at many choir performances. A seamstress of couture quality wardrobes, she was herself always a fashion plate, from hat to custom shoes. And no one missed gatherings put together by Pat, whether an elegant cocktail party, grass skirt luau or "come as you are" impromptu gathering of friends early in the morning, which often meant guests arrived in a robe, wearing face cream and hair rollers. While living in Indonesia Pat became interested in collecting Chinese porcelain export ware and later took to painting botanicals, often including her favorite Calla Lilies. In Tulsa, Pat was active in Tulsa Opera, Goodwill, Southern Belles, Garden Club, the Republican Party, Tulsa Ballet Guild and Philbrook Museum PACers. She served twice as President of the Tulsa County Republican Women's Club. She was also a member of the Golden Key Club and in 1986 was honored as one the Ten Best Politicos in the State of Oklahoma. Pat continued her political career working on campaigns for GOP candidates, including Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Don Nicols, Henry Bellmon, Dick Crawford and Roy Garner. She retired from politics in the late 80s to spend more time with her grandchildren and to travel with her husband. Pat is survived by her daughters, Shelley Ricks and Tracey Norvell. Son-in-law Andy Ricks and former son-in-law J Gregg Norvell. Grandchildren Michael Ricks, Cori Ricks Mueller and their families, also by her grandson Clay Norvell. In Australia, her spirit is remembered by her younger siblings Betty Wood and Ron Shelley, and many nephews and nieces and cousins. Pat's family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the employees at Inverness Village who cared for Pat and her late husband for 2003 through 2016. Their welcoming, caring ways brought much joy and comfort. A special thank you also to the assisting medical professionals and the caring nurses of Miller Hospice. These lyrics linger on with the scent of Shalimar to comfort those who knew her love. Old woman Old woman tossed up in a blanket, under her arm she carried a broom. "I'm going," she said, "to sweep the cobwebs from the sky. I will be with you my baby by-and-by!" Viewing will be 12Noon-8PM, Sunday, December 11, 2016 with family greeting friends from 3-5PM at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Private family graveside service. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 Viewing will be 12Noon-8PM, Sunday, December 11, 2016 with family greeting friends from 3-5PM at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Private family graveside service. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Pat Medaris

July 5, 1921 - December 8, 2016