Patty K. King

Patty Kay King, age 61, of Boaz, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 15, 1964, in Springfield, Missouri, to Denny and Shelby Hicks.

A 1982 graduate of Nixa High School, Patty filled her school years with energy and talent—playing softball, singing in choir, cheering on the Eagles, performing in high school musicals, and playing the saxophone in band. Patty grew up in a loving home where her parents led her to Christ. Many days were spent being a shadow of her dad. She learned to drive the tractor at the age of 8. In fact, she carried that farm-girl heart with her all her life. From her mother, she learned the art of cooking—skills she would later use to lovingly feed friends, family, and anyone who found a place at her table.

On September 26, 2004, Patty married the love of her life, Ray King. Together they made their home on the family farm in Boaz and shared a passion for exploring Missouri’s state parks, covered bridges, springs, mills, and museums. She cherished every adventure, especially with Ray by her side.

Patty’s life was marked by her adventurous spirit, servant’s heart, and joyful humor. She never met a stranger, loved to make people laugh, and always put others above herself. Her strong faith in Christ shone through in every season—she was a prayer warrior and witnessed to others even in her final moments. She attended Calvary Bible Church and, more recently, Aldersgate Church in Nixa.

She was a devoted mother—firm when needed, but a trusted friend and confidant to her grown children and a doting Nene. Family gatherings were her favorite, and her home was always open. Her nieces and nephews lovingly called her “Aunt Party” for her fun-loving nature. While raising her children, she was active in the PTA.

Patty dedicated 33 years to her work as an Obstetrics Surgical Technician at Cox Hospital in Springfield, assisting in the delivery of thousands of babies. In the middle of her career, she took a six-year break from the hospital to operate a home daycare, lovingly caring for and shaping the lives of many children in her community. When she returned to Cox South, she brought with her even more warmth, patience, and understanding, which her patients and coworkers deeply appreciated. She was known for her compassion, skill, and the joy she brought to the workplace.

Patty’s courage through her long illness inspired all who knew her—she was tough as nails, yet had a heart of gold. Her favorite flowers were daisies, a perfect reflection of her bright, cheerful spirit. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love, service, and faith, and her legacy will continue to blossom in the lives she touched. Patty fought her cancer battle believing and truly knowing “God's Got Me!” Her greatest desire was for all those she knew and loved to get right with the Lord and come to know the love, comfort and joy only He can give.

Patty is survived by her loving husband, Ray King; her parents Denny and Shelby Hicks; children, Jaredd (Heather) King and their children, Melayna, Rylea, and Maycee; Nic (Sarah) Wilson and their children, Cadence and Everly; Amanda (Eric) Rogers and their children Finley, Avery and Will; Taylor King; a granddaughter, Gracie (Parker) King Bettinger; a daughter of the heart, Tabatha (Grant) Whaley and their children, Aidyn and Emma; three sisters, Peggy Preston, Paula (Don) Chapman, Pam (Gary) Holmes; Ray's brother, Ralph (Soni) King; in laws, David Vaughan, Patsy “Cookie” King and Linda King.

Patty is preceded in death by a son, Aaron King; in laws, Scott Preston, Wayne King, Roy King, Dorothy King, Connie Vaughan and Nelda and Rick Salkil.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.

The family is hosting a memorial service 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Aldersgate Church with Pastor Dennis Miller officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made to the American Cancer Society.