Obituary of Pat Skees

OBITUARY – Ada Patricia “Pat” Skinner Skees – A Celebration of Life service for Pat Skees, 79, of Chapin, will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Lakeside Gazebo at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington. Interment in Woodridge Memorial Park will follow the service. The family will greet friends for 30 minutes (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM) prior to the service at the Gazebo. Pat’s Celebration will continue at her daughter’s home following the graveside interment.

Pat Skees passed away at her home with her family present on December 2, 2023. Born in Bishopville, SC, she was a daughter of the late Tom Moore Skinner and ”Jimmie” Elizabeth Skinner. Pat and her family moved to the Columbia, SC area in 1959, where she lived until moving to Chapin, SC in 2008. Pat was devoted to her family and was a loyal friend to many. Pat found joy in learning new things, loved her books, was an avid gardener, a talented artist, a beautiful seamstress, and could fix anything! She was a crafter and a mentor, always willing to take time to share her knowledge and help others.

She was an accomplished equestrian and spent many years as a competitive Eventer - excelling in dressage, jumping, and cross country. In addition to competitive riding, she enjoyed casual rides through woods and trails where she could enjoy the beauties of nature and the company of fellow horse loving friends and family.  Pat’s generous spirit and nurturing heart was always available to anyone, and anything in need. She shared her time and sewing talents with the Heartfelt Stitches Prayer Shawl Ministry group who sewed and donated lap blankets and quilts to nursing homes and individuals going through difficult times in their lives, as well as blankets for newborns needing to stay in the hospital.   

Pat is survived by her children; daughter, Robyne Shealy of Chapin; son, Lee Essick of Lexington; grandchildren, Adam Shealy (Denise), Taylor Essick; great grandson, Vance Shealy; sister, Tommye Owen of Charleston; niece, Jennifer Pappas (Joseph), nephew, Matthew Owen, great niece, Maddie Allen, great nephews, Sullivan McMahan, Tad Owen, and Gage Owen.  In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by her loving husband of 16 years, Richard “Dick” Skees; sister, Sylvia Skinner; son-in-law, Doug Shealy; nephew, Wesley Owen.