Patricia Ann Castellaw

Nearing the end of her life, Pat Castellaw was asked the question, what she wanted most. Her answer, simple and sweet, “a picnic with my family.” No longer was the home she needed to sell, her yardwork, her bills, or even her hair being out of place of any importance to her. She stated that she was waiting for Terry and Tom to come and be with her and desired the love and laughter of them and their families at one last family picnic. Patricia Ann York Castellaw (Pat), returned to her heavenly home on May 25, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 6, 1936 to Clem and Margaret (McCarter) York. She grew up in Bayard, where she graduated from high school. Pat married Duane Alan Castellaw June 25, 1955 and to this union came the loves of her life, her two sons, Terry Alan and Thomas Lee (Tom). In Pat’s words: “We built our home in 1965 and lived in Bayard all of our married life. Duane worked for the city for 28 years until he suffered a heart attack in 1993 forcing him to retire. I worked for the First National Bank, the city of Bayard (Light and Water Dept.), Great Western Sugar, Western Sugar, Brown Bean, and Kelley Bean Company through the years. I was working at the First National Bank when Duane had his heart attack and I quit to stay home with him. Duane passed away on March 11, 2003 of congestive heart failure. Through the years, we enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping. We also enjoyed taking a vacation trip every year. We had a full and happy life together.” After the passing of Duane, Pat enjoyed much of her time traveling, gambling, watching Husker games, and just having fun with her “BEST” friend Jim Rice. Left to cherish Pat’s special memories are her two sons, Terry Castellaw of Alliance, Nebraska, and Tom (Trish) Castellaw of Merriman, Nebraska; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Larry of Hawk Springs, Wyoming; sister-in-law, Helen Rice of Bayard, Nebraska; special “BEST” friend, Jim Rice of Bayard, Nebraska; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Among those rejoicing, celebrating and welcoming Pat up the stairs of heaven are her husband, Duane; parents, Clem and Margaret York; two brothers and their wives, Leonard (Beulah) York and Lloyd (Wilma) York; and brother-in-law, Don Rice. We will all cherish the sweet memories we made with Pat and as a tribute to her let’s all make a special effort to remember what is truly important and take the time to enjoy more family picnics. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in Pat’s honor will be held Saturday, June 15, at 10:00 am at the Church of Christ in Bayard.