Patti Robinson

Funeral services for Patti Ann (Christenson) Robinson, 90, of Charleston, SC (formerly of McPherson) will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with a visitation/viewing prior from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery. Patti passed May 15, 2026, in Charleston, SC.

Patti was born February 1, 1936, in McPherson, Kansas, the daughter of Harold and Modena E. (Kenney) Christenson.

Patti attended Kansas State University where she majored in Horticulture.

Always involved in community, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Tri Delta Sorority, PEO Chapter AY, and was a Master Gardener. She served on the boards of the American Red Cross, McPherson Opera House and Habitat for Humanity. Behind the scenes, she coordinated many high school reunions for numerous classes, and various May Day activities.

Patti enjoyed tending her koi pond and expansive garden, playing bridge, bowling, theatre, travel, feeding the birds and squirrels in her yard, and hosting many holiday gatherings. A great cook, her recipes have already been passed down generations; including a Christmas favorite, Swedish Ostakaka. She was the matriarch connecting her scattered extended family for many years, always a supportive neighbor, and loyal friend to many. Patti amazed, and often embarrassed her children, gregariously chatting up strangers, everywhere, at any time.

She was a secretary for Kit Manufacturing in McPherson for many years until the plant was destroyed in a 1992 tornado. Demonstrating her commitment to helping others, she served tirelessly as the administrator for the American Red Cross of McPherson and Marion Counties for 15 years. She continued helping others in her next role with residential LifeLine medical alert systems.

She married Jay Dee Bolen in April 1956 in Manhattan, KS. He preceded her in death June 1974. Patti married Jack Robinson in McPherson, combining forces for a family of nine. Jack and Patti enjoyed twenty years together, sharing many friends in McPherson and often getting away to their beloved place at Kanopolis Lake. Jack preceded her in death in 1993.

Survivors include her three children, Kimberly Ann Farrell and her husband, John, of Baldwin City, KS; Jeffrey Dee Bolen of Charleston, SC; Timothy Jay Bolen and wife, Minda, of Wichita, KS; stepchildren, Kyle Robinson of Wichita, KS; Wendy Robinson of Sebastopol, CA; Rebecca Robinson and husband, Ed, of Washington DC; Matthew Robinson and wife, Peggy, of Joliet, IL; grandchildren, Shawn, Lenny, Patti, Skylar, Kelly, Tess, Tyler, Connor, Sarah, Hannah; and great- grandchildren, Bevin, Hannah, Quincy, Tae Lyn, Evan, Kaylee, Layla, Lucas, Lio, and her beloved Shih Tzu, Scooter II.

Memorials may be made in her name to the McPherson Animal Shelter, the McPherson Opera House, or the McPherson County Red Cross. These may be sent in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut Street, McPherson, KS 67460.