Pat McAtee

Patricia Sue “Pat” McAtee, of Wellington, died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 77.

Pat was born on October 18, 1948, in Wellington to Max A. Walton and Dorothy (Craven) Walton.

After graduating from high school, Pat began working as a clerk in the Sumner County Treasurer’s Office and later retired as Deputy Sumner County Treasurer. She retired to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren and went above and beyond to give each of them a childhood filled with lasting memories. Pat volunteered many hours at Washington School, where her grandchildren attended, touching the lives of many children.

She also volunteered at the Wellington pool, making sure any child who needed a snack or treat had one. Known as the Wellington swim team’s “Very Important Grandma,” she never missed a swim meet.

Around Wellington, she was affectionately known as “Grandma Pat.” Her home was filled not only with her grandchildren, but also with their friends, who shared fond memories of swimming, sleepovers, and trips to the movies. To Pat, everyone was family, and her door was always open to anyone in need. She was a giver, especially when children needed help, and she would move heaven and earth to make sure they had what they needed. She showed up. She stepped up. Everyone knew they could count on Grandma Pat.

Pat was an old hippie who enjoyed riding motorcycles with her late husband, Jim McAtee. Together, they loved attending the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival and spending time at their campground, “All My Rowdy Friends.” She loved music, tie dye, and throwing peace signs. You knew you were loved if she called you by a nickname.

She was the “ride or die” for many, many wonderful friends.

Pat is survived by her son, Kenneth Etter (Brandy) of Wellington; daughter, Jadrian Hester (Bobby) of Marysville; grandchildren, Jonathan Etter, Hunter Etter (Rylee), and Bailey Etter, all of Wellington, Authum Hester of Marysville, and Austin Cotton of Clearwater; and great-grandchildren, Violet Etter and Archer Etter of Wellington, and Colby Hester of Marysville; and many extended family and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Nelson “Jim” McAtee; her parents, Max A. and Dorothy P. Walton; her sister, Peggy J. Brenner; and her grandson, Aaron Hester.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s name and loving memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

A memorial service celebrating Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas 67152. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Wellington.

You are invited to leave a memory, leave condolences, or sign Pat’s digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.