Patricia Denise Updegraff

Patricia Denise Updegraff, known affectionately to many as Patty, passed away on June 4, 2026, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Born on January 17, 1960, in Mobile, Alabama, she lived a life rich with love, passion, and resilience, leaving a deep impression on all who knew her.

A graduate of the Middletown Area School District, Patty embarked on a career that began at Olivetti in Middletown, where fate introduced her to John H. Updegraff, her devoted husband of 35 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, shared joys, and heartfelt memories. Patty dedicated many years as a school bus driver for the Seven Sorrows School District, a role that showcased her nurturing spirit and commitment to community.

Patty's love for life was expressed in many ways. In her early years, she was enamored with her striking green 1966 Chevelle, a symbol of freedom and youthful adventure. This passion was lovingly passed down to her daughter Shannon, who restored another 1966 Chevelle—a gift from Shannon’s father, Gary—carrying forward a family tradition of admiration for muscle cars. Mother and daughter delighted in attending car shows together, their spirits lifted by the rumble of engines and the gleam of chrome, and they cherished moments cruising under bridges with the engine’s roar echoing their shared joy.

Music was a vibrant thread in Patty's life, with a wide variety of genres. She held a special place in her heart for Pink Floyd’s evocative sounds, yet also found solace in the soulful tunes of Chris Stapleton. Her enthusiasm for sports brought cheer to her days as she rooted passionately for Alabama college football and the Dallas Cowboys in the professional arena.

Among her simple pleasures was the ritual of feeding squirrels on her front deck, a gentle act that reflected her kindness and connection to the small wonders of the world around her. This tenderness extended to her beloved feline companions throughout her life, including her cherished cat, Little Girl.

Patty was a member of Valley Baptist Church for many years and handled the accountings of Sunday tithes and offerings for a number of years. Her journey was marked by courage and faith. After a valiant battle with cancer, she experienced her homecoming to be with her heavenly father on that solemn day in June. Her spirit, bright and resilient, remains a beacon for those she leaves behind.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband John H. Updegraff; daughter Shannon Kautz Evans and son-in-law Joe Evans; cherished grandson Cole Creekwater and his wife Kaylynn, and granddaughter Jaidyn Evans; by her mother, Bert Lyvonne Henry; sisters, Paula Landis (Mike), Kim Henry, and Darlene Bordner (Mikey); along with treasured cousins Vicky, Howard, Joe, Crystal, many nieces and nephews, and many friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

Patty also rests in the memory of her late father, Paul B. Henry Jr.; father-in-law, John Rehrer; brother-in-law, James S. Devoid; twin great nephews, Isaac and James McGowan; and her beloved cat Baby Baby.

Her life was a mosaic of love, music, family, and fierce passion, a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who loved her. Patty Updegraff’s passing leaves a profound void, but also an enduring testament to a life fully embraced, joyously lived, and tenderly remembered.

There will be a celebration of Patty's life on June 21, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. The address is Sunset Park, 2400 Sunset Drive, Middletown PA 17057 (Londonderry Township).  Pavilion 3 is a large beautiful location, chosen for this event. There is easy access, and flat area parking close to the pavilion. There will be food / drinks provided. Covered dishes are welcomed as well, maybe even something Patty really liked to eat. If you would like to bring something, please reach out to Shannon or other family members, so we can plan accordingly. The family also encourages you to bring a memory to share, to join us in celebrating her life. 

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In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations directly to the funeral home.

W Orville Kimmel Funeral Home, Inc

2001 Market Street

Harrisburg, PA 17104

717-238-2502