Patsy Medaris Shinn

Patsy H. Medaris Shinn passed away in Littleton Colorado on February 18, 2025. 

Patsy was born in Plainview Texas on March 28, 1931 to Owen and Bertha Harris. She was raised on a cotton farm near Hale Center Texas and attended school in Plainview Texas. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Tech University and earned her bachelor's degree. Patsy later obtained her master's degree in education. 

Patsy is preceded in death by parents Owen and Bertha Harris; her beloved daughter Dr. Jan Perloff, husband; and love of her life, Colonel O.J. Mike Medaris; as well as husband Major John C. Shinn. She is survived by her stepson Tony Medaris of Denver Colorado; son in law, Dr. Kerry Perloff of Lakewood Colorado; grandchildren Dr. Eric Perloff and his wife Dr. Sophie Perloff of Hunnington New York, and Dr. Andrea Perloff of Las Vegas Nevada. 

Patsy began her teaching career in Hale Center Texas. She moved to Roswell New Mexico and began teaching at Walker Air Force Base. She later taught at Trinity Methodist Kindergarten and then physical education at Yucca Middle School. She moved to Roswell High School where she taught English. Patsy was involved in many extracurricular activities at Roswell High. She was yearbook and newspaper sponsor, cheerleader sponsor, National Honor Society sponsor and class sponsor several times.

For two terms Patsy was president of the Roswell Education Association and recording secretary for one term. She was Southeast Region Hall of Fame Chair, a member of the NEA-NM Resolutions Committee and Political Action committee. She was active in many social and civic organizations including the Chaves County Historical Society, the Assistance League, P.E.O. and Beta Sigma Phi. She remained a dedicated alumni of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority throughout her life.

After retirement Patsy relocated to Lakewood Colorado to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. She doted on her grandchildren and after Jan's passing, she became a "Soccer, Baseball, and Football Nanny" delighting in driving them to practices and attending their games. She was very proud of her daughter and grandchildren and was always willing to share about their successes.

During her time in Colorado Patsy became active in the local P.E.O., Kappa alumni group, bridge clubs, and the Retired Officers Association in Denver. She and John enjoyed travel and took several cruises and traveled abroad.

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 27, 2025, 10:00 am, Horan & McConaty, Lakewood Colorado. Interment will be at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, New Mexico.