Patricia Hysell

HYSELL

Patricia (Pat) Eversole Hysell of Westerville, Ohio, age 89, died October 27, 2012, at Riverside Methodist Hospital after a series of illnesses. Pat was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1923, the daughter of Ruth and Henry Eversole. One of 7 children, she attended school in German Village and graduated from South High School in 1941. In high school, she was an avid dancer, acrobat, and swimmer and up until her death maintained close friendships with the girls she grew up with including Betty Garver and Dorothy Zubovich. Typical of the WWII generation, Pat was a fighter-showing tenacity, courage, good humor, and grace in the face of tragedy and setbacks. After high school, Pat earned a pilot license and planned to enter the Civil Air Patrol. Before being able to realize her dream of serving her country in the skies, she was stricken with polio, from which doctors predicted she would die. She fought back eventually being able to walk again, to marry Vernon Hysell (also a pilot), and to have two children, Patrick and Robert (Rob). Tragedy struck again when infant Rob suffered medical problems that left him with permanent mental and physical disabilities. In spite of those difficulties, Rob was raised by his mother to have a positive, curious outlook, and he was a favorite among many in the community. Children in particular loved Rob, and in that quality of developing strong bonds of affection, he mirrored his mother. Pat was remarkable for her handling of adversity, but even more extraordinary for her compassionate concern for others. While mothers worked or were away, Pat mothered many children in the family, but children from the neighborhood also flocked to her because of her ability to listen to their stories and take joy in their accomplishments. Similarly, adults with troubles often went to Pat for advice and consolation. When Pat was afflicted with Post-Polio Syndrome in later life, many members of the community and her church came forward to help her with household tasks and yard work. Patricia Hysell was a giver and recipient of many small and large kindnesses. Pat is survived by her son Patrick Hysell, DVM; daughter-in-law, Deborah; stepsons, Dennis and Richard; grandsons Corey and Jesse; step-grandsons Ben and Ted; brother William (Doc) Eversole, DVM, of Idaho; sister Nancy Nichols of California; nieces Bonnie, Pam, Lynn, Ginger, Winter, Spring, Heidi, Tammy, and Terrie; nephews Beau (Danny), Jimmy, Frank, Steve, Jim, and Kim; and many other caring relatives from a large and loving family. She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years Vernon Hysell; son Robert; and brothers, Jim, Jack, and Bob; and sister Jean. She will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. Visiting hours will be held 1-3 p.m. and funeral service at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 3, 2012, at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio. Rev. David Redding, officiating. Private interment at Blendon Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Franklin County Board of Mental Health and Retardation or the March of Dimes.