Patricia Haden Vassar

Patricia Haden Vassar, 74, of Gladys, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025. She was born in Ringgold, Virginia, on March 20, 1951, to the late Norris Lillard Haden and Margaret Terry Haden. Patricia lived a life rooted in faith, purpose, and service. For 42 years, she shared her musical gifts at Kedron Baptist Church in Gladys, playing both the organ and piano. She also devoted countless hours to planning and leading Vacation Bible Schools, organizing Christmas Angel Tree donations, and serving on children's and youth ministry committees. Those who knew Patricia remember her favorite sayings: "Life is not a dress rehearsal," "Tell people how you feel about them while they're living," and "We only pass this way once." She lived by those words-making others feel valued, offering encouragement, and expressing gratitude for work well done. Her heart for service extended throughout the greater Gladys community. In her years at the U.S. Postal Service, she greeted neighbors daily, listened to their joys and challenges, and quietly responded to needs she saw-collecting clothing, food, and other essentials for those facing hardship. Another of her oft-repeated beliefs was, "Time is the most valuable gift you can give somebody." When you spent time with Patricia, you knew she was fully present, genuinely interested, and deeply engaged. Although dementia took her memories far too soon, it never diminished her generosity. Even in her final years, she offered to pay for others' meals, refused to eat unless her company joined her, and gladly gave away items to those in greater need. Dementia also could not take her music-Patricia played the piano until July 2025, with beloved hymns flowing from muscle memory. Before joining the Postal Service, Patricia served as an extension agent at the Campbell County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension and taught home economics at her alma mater, Dan River High School in Ringgold. She earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Radford College and was Valedictorian of the Dan River High School Class of 1969. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her son, Ryan Haden Vassar. She is survived by her husband, William Ted Vassar of Gladys; her children, Nathan (Jessica) Vassar of Austin, Texas, and Karen Vassar Brown (Robert) of Richmond, Virginia; and her adored grandchildren, Sarah, George, Evan, and Clara. She also leaves behind her siblings, Karen Belcher (Ronald) of Summerfield, North Carolina, and N. Karl Haden (Jeannie) of Atlanta, Georgia, whom she loved fiercely-and occasionally good-naturedly bossed around-as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, and extended family. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at Kedron Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall, 7862 Brookneal Highway, Gladys, Virginia. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Kedron Baptist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Angel Tree Fund" at Kedron Baptist Church, P.O. Box 38, Gladys, Virginia 24554.

Patricia Haden Vassar

March 20, 1951 - August 10, 2025