Paralee Alice “Pat” Howard age 85, of Osawatomie, Kansas died Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Vintage Park Assisted Living of Osawatomie.

She was born on January 3, 1929 in Osawatomie, Kansas to Commodore Edward “Pete” and Colista Alma (Reynolds) Tyrell. Pat grew up in Osawatomie and attended school in the Osawatomie school system, graduating from Osawatomie High School in the class of 1946.

Pat was a women true to herself and loved life. She married Butch Cottrell at the age of nineteen, even though that marriage did not last she never gave up on the unity of marriage. Pat later married Joe Medlin. She would be the first to tell you, out of these two unions the greatest gifts in her life were her two sons, Steve and Troy. Pat was employed by Missouri Pacific Railroad for twenty years. She began her career with the railroad working out in the yards in Osawatomie. Missouri Pacific Railroad took her from Osawatomie, Kansas City, to Wichita, and back again. When she left the railroad she sought employment with Kansas City Power and Light Company in Paola. She worked in the office there for another twenty years. While raising her two sons Pat worked several part-time positions in addition to her fulltime position, even renting out rooms of her home to railroaders for extra income.

Pat traveled extensively during the 1960’s throughout Europe. Traveling to places like Copenhagen, Denmark and Austria. She also traveled the United States from the east to the west, and visiting family in Seattle and California.

Pat loved holidays and one of her favorite was Halloween. She always had a different costume and enjoyed the “character” she was for the day. She loved telling jokes, “Did you hear the one about …” She loved music and loved to sing. Pat liked songs from gospel to pop one of her favorites was Roberta Flack. She was a women of many interests and she enjoyed life in its entirety. She was an active member of the Osawatomie High School Alumni from 1946 through 2013, a member of the First Christian Church of Osawatomie. Pat was a member of NARVE (National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees)) and corresponded frequently with many congressmen, senators and even President Clinton about railroad related issues.

Pat was preceded in death by one son: Stephen Cottrell on December 29, 2008, two sisters: Jackie and Juanita and one brother Eddy.

She is survived by her son Troy Medlin of Paola, Kansas, nieces in Seattle, WA and nieces in Sacramento, CA, a host of friends to many to name. She will be missed by many but none more than by the morning breakfast gang at Whistle Stop Café.

Visitation will be 4-7pm Saturday January 25, 2014 at Eddy Birchard Funeral Home Osawatomie KS. Funeral services will be a 2:00 pm Sunday, January 26, 2014 at First Christian Church, Osawatomie. With burial in the Osawatomie Cemetery, Osawatomie Kansas. Memorials are to: First Christian Church of Osawatomie and may be sent in care of the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 430 Osawatomie, Kansas 66064.