Patsy Reichardt

Patsy Ruth Reichardt, 83, of Shiner, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026. 
Patsy (Pat) was born on November 11, 1942, in Abernathy, Texas, to Virgil and Mary Wynn Lilley. She married Hal Ray Reichardt on December 19, 1981, in Lampasas.
Patsy graduated from Lampasas High School and went on to earn her degree from Tarleton State University. She furthered her education through graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, as well as at West Texas State University and Lamar University.
Patsy began her working career as a truck driver for her father’s custom harvesting operation, hauling grain to elevators in several Texas towns. She later followed her passion for education, serving as an Environmental Education Instructor at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Her teaching career spanned many years and locations, beginning at Western Christian College in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. 
She went on to teach English at Kermit High School, West Texas State University, East Chambers High School, Winnie High School, Needville High School, Lamar Consolidated High School and Rosenberg High School, touching the lives of countless students along the way.
Patsy’s special interests included needlework and crafts, especially crochet and quilting. She was an avid reader who enjoyed all genres. She was deeply involved in her church, where she volunteered faithfully, including serving as co-financial secretary for 12 years. She and her husband also cared for church candles, folded church bulletins and created bulletin boards.
She was a member of the Lavaca County Retired Teachers Association and the Lavaca Medical Center Auxiliary, where she served as gift store manager for three years. Patsy received numerous honors throughout her life, including being named a nominee for the Texas Classroom Teachers Association Teacher of the Year, receiving a Life Membership Award from the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, and being recognized as a national semi-finalist in the National Library of Poetry Contest.
Survivors include one sister, the Rev. Dr. Lin Lilley of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and sister-in-law, Sue Lilley of Lampasas. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Reichardt; her parents, Virgil and Mary Lilley; sister, Wilma Reeves; and brother, Virgil Edgar Lilley.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, prior to the 2 p.m. service at Shiner Lutheran Church.
Interment will follow at Shiner Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shiner Lutheran Church, the Shiner Public Library, or to the charity of one’s choice. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.