Patricia Jane Kosley (Hertneky) – December 10, 2024

Patricia Jane Kosley (Hertneky) February 19, 1934 – December 10, 2024

On December 10, 2024, Patricia Jane, loving wife and mother of four, passed away at 90 years of age. Pat’s unwavering belief in God was rock-solid, often quoting the 46th Psalm: “Be still and know that I am God.” She lived her life staying the course and doing what was right without fanfare or gloating. This life of dedication was evident to her friends, her family, and especially her beloved husband, Charles, her spouse of 66 years. The two of them shared every aspect of life in lockstep together, truly a testament to the bonds of their marriage. After his death, she took pride in continuing to live independently for three more years in the house she and Chuck built together.

Pat was born to Frank and Margery Hertneky on February 19, 1934, on a farm homesteaded by her grandparents in Eastern Colorado, where she was raised. As a child, she was bilingual and served as the family interpreter translating English and Slovak. She married Charles Edward Kosley on May 6, 1956. They established their home together in Colorado Springs, raising four Christian children with love and compassion. Pat was a remarkable homemaker with an impressive skill set that went well beyond ordinary cooking and sewing. As a seamstress, she never flinched at complicated patterns or having to make tedious alterations to fit her three, long-legged girls. Her culinary skills were equally impressive, preparing three meals a day, every day, not counting numerous occasions when extended family, friends, and neighbors joined the Kosley household for a special meal or holiday. Indeed, sharing meals was a core value in Pat’s life. Every meal started in prayer. Those who knew her fondly remember her saying, “Good Morning God,” before breakfast. Mealtime was family time. Her canned spaghetti sauce, in particular, was a hot commodity whenever the family gathered to break bread. Pat was business-minded too, working as a personal banker, and became an entrepreneur when she started decorating cakes after her close friend, Mitzi, enrolled her in a cake decorating class, just for “fun.” Before long, Pat was engaged in a small business venture decorating gorgeous wedding cakes. Chuck, her partner, was the structural engineer while Pat did the baking and artistic icing work. Sharing tasks was a hallmark of their relationship. Pat and Chuck were avid gardeners, growing annual vegetable gardens and beautiful flowers. Pat served as a dedicated member of the United Methodist Women, where she was known as the “nut lady” when it came to selling nuts at the annual fundraising bazaar. Business aside, Pat had a playful side. She loved fishing, playing cards, and going to all sorts of entertaining shows, such as the Flying W, melodramas, symphonies and concerts. She and Chuck attended almost every choir program at church, grandchildren’s sports events, music, and dance performances. She and Chuck took pride in taking the family on vacations all over the United States. A historian at heart, Pat made a special effort to visit the Capitol in every state she visited. She was also interested in her personal historical roots in Eastern Colorado and adored visiting the homestead where she was raised. Put simply, Pat enjoyed life! She thanked God for every blessing and continued to offer prayers of thanks until her last hour.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Margery Hertneky; her brother, Frank Jr.; her daughter-in- law, Betty Faye Kosley; and her beloved husband, Chuck. Pat is survived by her brother Bobby, and four children: Karen Massey/Dale, Alan Kosley/Nery, Kathy Hook/Rob, Kim Means/Bill; grandchildren: Sarah McLain/Matt, Scott Massey/Lorena, Katelyn Hook/Kyle, Ben Hook/Landreigh, Will Hook, Alex Kosley/Amy, Austin Kosley/Jessica, Grace Kosley, Amanda Oliver/Garret, Abe Means/Nicole, Mary Means, Fiorella Pulido, Jose Montilla, Sam Montilla; and seven great-grandchildren: Molly and Jane-Patsy McLain, Ezra Oliver, Colin Kosley, Hannah Massey, Caroline Smith, and Hallie Hook. Pat made time to develop relationships with her grandchildren, asking questions and getting to know them on a personal level.

It seems fitting that Pat’s family and friends will be honoring and celebrating her life during the Christmas season. Pat adored Christmas. While reminiscing recently she shared that: “Christmas was a very important time in my growing up years as it is to this day. Life is measured from Christmas to Christmas with all the rest of the year’s events filled in between.”

Please join us for a visitation at the Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday, December 14, from 3:30-5 PM, located at 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Pat’s funeral service will occur on Monday, December 16, at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church on 420 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Her interment will be held at 3 PM at Memorial Gardens, 3825 Airport Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Memorial donations to the United Women in Faith at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs would be appreciated.