Patsy Jean Barton

Patsy Jean Barton ("Pat"), 94, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at Mercy Hospital after spending precious time surrounded by family and friends.

Pat was born on April 20, 1932, in Hennessey, Oklahoma, to John and Sylvia Forbis of Cashion, Oklahoma. She was the middle of three daughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Steven Edward Barton; and her sisters, Marvonne Ruby Golson and Johnnie Mae Grimm, and her husband Tommy Jefferson Ritter.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Jean Barton ("Pam"); her son, Michael Thomas Barton, and his wife, Joy Glenn Barton; her grandchildren, Samantha Skye Glenn Barton and Cameron Grey Glenn Barton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

At just 16 years old, Pat began working at Benedictine Heights Hospital during summers and holidays. In 1953, she moved to Edmond, where she worked for a time at Roberts Osteopathic Clinic and Central Cleaners. She later moved to Oklahoma City and attended business college. Upon graduating from the Comptometer program, she began working for Voss Truck Line.

She married Morland Barton in 1953, and although the marriage later ended in divorce, together they welcomed three children. Later, Pat opened Little Hearts Day Care, which was licensed through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. While raising her family, she attended night classes at Oklahoma City University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree—a remarkable accomplishment that reflected her determination and love of learning.

In 1983, Pat began teaching at Edgemere Elementary School and retired from full-time teaching when she turned 60. In 1992, she married Tommy Jefferson Ritter. Even after retiring, her love for students continued as she served as a substitute teacher in the Guthrie, Cashion, Edmond, and Deer Creek school districts. She especially loved her years at Deer Creek High School, where she continued substitute teaching from 2005 until her 89th birthday, retiring in 2022. Known affectionately as "Miss Sunshine" by many students, she was remembered for her no-nonsense classroom management, her warm smile, and her famous hug coupons.

Since 2014, Pat lived independently in Edmond. She faithfully attended the Edmond Senior Center several times each week, where she enjoyed exercising on the elliptical machine. On Fridays, she often attended Cook's Night Out and was a regular participant in Keenagers at Crossings Community Church, where she found meaningful friendships and a caring community.

Pat found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved gardening, watching birds, reading murder mysteries, playing cards, and faithfully enjoying her daily 7.5-ounce Mountain Dew. She was always ready for an adventure. Even on the day of her passing, she wanted to get up and walk—not just around her hospital room, but throughout the hospital itself.

Though small in stature, Pat's life made an outsized impact on thousands of students, friends, neighbors, and family members whose lives were brighter because she was in them. Her determination, independence, humor, generosity, and love for others filled every room she entered. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, lifelong learning, and quiet faithfulness that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Looking over the course of her life, it is easy to see a deep faith in God that carried her through seasons of sorrow, loss and challenge. The last few years, and up until her death she would tell everyone “I am blessed. I’ve had a good life”, and “God has been good to me”. She recently told several friends with quiet confidence that she was ready for whatever God had next. That faith sustained her throughout her life and gave her peace at its close.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who loved, encouraged, and cared for Pat over these past few years. Your kindness, friendship, and prayers have been a great blessing. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers as we learn to live with the space her absence has left in our lives.

To view the livestream of the service, please follow think link: https://vimeo.com/event/6027247/b56b685ea8