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Patsy Jo "Pat" Heidlage © DeLozier Funeral Service Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
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Patsy Jo "Pat" Heidlage
October 21, 1937 - January 6, 2025
A Mass of Christian Burial to remember and celebrate the life of Patsy Jo "Pat" Heidlage will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore, with Father Jim Ferry officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Claremore, where Pat will be laid to rest beside her husband Robert. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 5-7 with a Rosary starting at 7. Pat passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Broken Arrow, OK. She was 87.
Pat was born in Chickasha, OK on October 21, 1937, to Harry J. and Esther V. (Airington) Gibson. Pat was raised and educated in Chickasha, OK and graduated from Saint Joseph Academy with the class of 1955. She continued her education at Oklahoma College for Women (which is now called the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma) where she received her Bachelor of Science in 1959. Pat went on to receive her Master of Education in 1991 from Northeastern State University. On August 8, 1959, in Chickasha, Pat married the love of her life Robert F. Heidlage. Their marriage lasted for over 50 years and was gifted with three children, Bob, Vickie, and Charles.
A lady that lived life to the fullest, and to coin one of her favorite coaching phrases; "keep your feet moving" is exactly how Pat approached each day. Mom, Pat Pat, Patsy Jo, Gibby, Pat, Mrs. Heidlage, or coach; she answered to all of them. Some were from her younger days, most from her adult life. She was devoted to her faith and remained active as a choir member there from 1985 till her health would not allow her to do it anymore at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. It was through that parish Pat made countless lifelong friendships. She was actively involved in all her children's activities as they were growing up. Pat was their 4H leader and hauled their horses all over the country for them to attend horse shows. It would go without saying she liked horses. She grew up on them from an early age. Riding with her dad and roping calves. She was even a rodeo queen in Chickasha. Pat liked dogs and parrots. Her daughter said she had, throughout her life, too many weenie dogs to count and the parrots lived to be over 70 years old. A side of Pat that many never knew was her ability to bake. According to her family she was known for her sourdough cinnamon rolls and meringue pies. She used those talents for church bazaars, special events and special occasions. Those that were the beneficiaries of her specialties knew it was Pat's way of saying how much she cared for you.
When it came to her career as an educator and tennis coach; to say she excelled would be an understatement. It was through her career that Pat made the difference in so many children's lives. It did not matter who it was, Pat was always there to provide an encouraging word, a big shoulder to lean on, a meal, a hug, a tootsie roll, or money. She was drawn to the students that needed a little more attention or just a strong mentor in their lives. Pat's work career as a physical education instructor lasted for over 36 years with Claremore Public Schools and she was named teacher of the year for 1987-1988. Pat's teaching was carried out by the example she set. She always had compassion and empathy for the elderly and children. She retired in 2009, the very same year the Westside School Gym was dedicated and named in Pat's honor. Pat was the assistant coach of the girls' varsity tennis team at Claremore and Owasso High Schools. Many of her players remember Pat treating them to the Macaroni Grill, win or lose after a match. In 1998 Pat was named Tennis Coach of the Year. In 2019 Pat was inducted not only into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame, but the Oklahoma Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame.
Pat's list of accomplishments and awards speak for themself. She put her heart and soul into all that she did. Pat wanted the community she called home to be the very best that it could be. She served on the Rogers County Planning Board, Park Board, Safenet Services Board and even ran for Rogers County Commissioner. Pat was the Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator benefiting the American Heart Association, was a part of the Claremore United Way and served as a choir member for the Claremore Community Chorus. Pat vested herself in the Oklahoma College for Women now USAO as an alumni board member from 1966 until 2017. There is now an endowment scholarship at the University in Pat's name, recognizing her years of service on the board.
Pat has left a legacy and a footprint that will live on for years to come. This mother, grandmother, friend and Pat Pat is survived by her children, Bob Heidlage and wife Jeanne, Vickie Heidlage-Williams and husband Tim, and Charles Heidlage, grandchildren, Robert Heidlage and wife Kelsey, Kelsey Behm and husband Riley, Jessie Pippen and wife Emily, Aaron Heidlage, Brad Williams and wife Lisa, great grandchildren, Nolan Heidlage, Calla Heidlage, Hal Behm, and Presley Williams. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Robert.
For the past six plus years, dementia had affected her body and mind. She was a tough customer during a significant part of that time but was well loved by the many nurses, CNAs and hospice staff that helped care for her. The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you for their care and compassion to our mom.
The family would like to suggest in lieu of flowers or other condolences that you make a donation in Pat's name to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, the Endowment Scholarship there in Pat's name at 1727 W. Alabama Chickasha, OK 73018, or the Oklahoma 4H Foundation 293 Agriculture Hall Stillwater, OK 74078.
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