Patricia “Patty“ Ruth Rawlings, age 77, passed away peacefully at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, SC, surrounded by her family on Friday, April 25, 2025. Born in Cumberland, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late John and Ruth Smith. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Rev. Dale Rawlings; brother, Dr. Steven Smith (Sheryl); daughter, Dr. Amy Cianciolo (Steve); son, Brett Rawlings (Amy); and five beloved grandchildren: Monet, Olivia, Carter, Aiden, and Summer. She was also survived by multiple brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly.
Patty attended Piedmont High School in Piedmont, WV, and graduated from Catherman Business School in Cumberland, MD. She was an active member, holding many offices in the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile. She served faithfully with the Foothills Presbyterian Women and Shenandoah Youth Council at the local, Presbytery, and Synod levels. As a lifelong Presbyterian, she held various leadership and teaching roles, including Elder, and shared her love for God’s Word wherever she went.
Patty was fierce about God and family. Throughout her life, she found profound joy and purpose in teaching, caring for, and supporting her children and grandchildren, a calling she fulfilled with passion and grace. She instilled in them empathy, compassion, and a servant’s heart. She never met a stranger, and she cherished her friends. Her deep devotion to daily Bible study provided strength, comfort, and guidance. She glorified God until the end.
Patty had a deep affection for all things West Virginia and the lifelong friendships she developed there, visiting often after she moved to South Carolina. She loved hunting, canoeing, campfires and her Mountaineers, especially their marching band, the Pride of West Virginia, whose performances brought tears of joy, particularly when they played the song Simple Gifts.
A passionate traveler and devoted servant, Patty explored various world regions, including Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Mexico. She treasured her trip to the Holy Land with Union Theological Seminary, visiting Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Her heart for mission led her to join the Foothills/Ghana Partnership Mission Team twice and serve communities in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa through Volunteers in Medical Missions. She fostered a sense of community and belonging wherever she traveled and at home in all her endeavors.
The Lord blessed this world with the gift of light and love that lived so brightly in her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 3rd, at New Covenant Church, 301 Simpson Road, Anderson, SC 29621. Visitation and reception will follow the service. A live stream will be available on the New Covenant YouTube page: @NewCovenantChurchAnderson
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 East Calhoun St., Anderson, SC 29621 or to the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
The Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
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