Patricia King Rash

January 6, 1940 – February 21, 2026

---

Patricia King Rash, 86, of Gilbert, Az, passed away from congestive heart failure on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona, where she had resided for the last 3 years.

Patricia Mickey Sue King was born January 6,1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Byron and Maureen King. She graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1958.

She was a Southern Bell who became a Westerner after marrying Rande Rash in 1965.

At the age of 27, unable to have children of her own, they adopted a baby boy. Six months later, she became a mother of 4 MORE children, Rande’s children from a previous marriage, with whom God blessed her all at one time! She was an example of what a mother should be, she loved the unlovable and rebellious with grace and mercy, just like her Jesus loved her!

Patricia was an actor in high school and community theater in Brookhaven, Mississippi and in Grants Pass, Oregon as well, she won awards and was in newspaper articles because of her acting accomplishments. She was a choir director in the churches she attended. From 1970-1975, she began teaching kindergarten at a private school in Weiser, Idaho

In 1985, she went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Education at Lewis & Clarke College.

From 1986-1993, Patricia was a first grade teacher at a private school in Lewiston, Idaho. She was also a Gifted-Talented Facilitator for the Canyon-Owyhee School Services Agency.

In 1989, She received her Master of Education Degree at University of Mississippi.

In 1994 she became an Adjunct Teacher in Boise Idaho. From 1996-98 she was a Graduate Assistant with the Dept. of Special Education at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and in 1998, an Adjunct teacher at William Carey College, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

From 1998-2000, Patricia was an Assistant Professor of Education at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. She received Doctor of Philosophy-Special Education, Emphasis Gifted Education, at University of Mississippi n Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She had several publications from 1997-1999, including her book, “An Analysis of Self-Reported Behaviors and Attitudes of Parents of Gifted Children”, which was published in 1998 by the Graduate School, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Patricia had a contagious humor & wit! She had a compassionate heart; she gave wise counsel and encouragement to be all you can be in life! When you met her, you met her Precious Jesus!! She could comfort others while she herself was suffering. She was a natural teacher to others. She was a great listener. She was a Godly example that made people WANT to know more about her JESUS and she was a positive influence and encouragement to anyone who met her! She prayed for everyone she met! ALL her family and grandchildren and great-grandchildren! She prayed for all of them! Her legacy will live on in their lives.

After losing her husband, Patricia moved from Tennessee to Oregon and then to Arizona. She persevered through heartbreak, injuries, a major stroke that paralyzed her left side, illnesses, hospital stays, and therapy, all the while positively impacting lives throughout her journey.

Survivors include:

2 Daughters: Deni Major, Darla (Roger) Dennis

1 Son: Joseph (Christy) Rash

1 brother: Alan (Nicki) Evans

1 Nephew: Wesley Evans

22 Grandchildren: Nathan, Amy, Minda, Joshua (Raina), Courtney, Conner, Cecila, Jake (Michaelana), Trevor (SarahJane), Heather, Glenn & Alexis; Aaron, (Sarah), Jared (Bana), Justin (Ryan), Emily, (Carl)

34 Great-Grandchildren: Marley, Koen, Ethan, Griffin, Foster, Liam, Rhett, Ryan, Lana, Sylvia, Finn, Benjamin, Austin, Sydney, Conner’s Baby girl, Trevor’s 3 children, Jayden, Jaxon, Max, Leon; Logan, Reis, Naomi (Sam), Lydia, Evie, Judah, Bethany, Madison, Mia, Afton, Holden.

1 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Elizabeth,

What a legacy!

 

Patricia was predeceased by:

Husband: Rande Rash

Father & Mother: Byron S. King and Maureen King Evans

Stepfather: Alan Evans

2 Sons: Rick Rash and Benjamin Rash

 

A Celebration of Life took place, March 1, 2025 in Gilbert, Arizona, at her prior personal residence, for family and friends in the area. She has been laid to rest, in Oregon, alongside her husband. A Celebration of Life will take place in Grants Pass, Oregon, although the date and time have yet to be determined.