Aug 28, 1939 — Jun 11, 2026
Dr. Patricia Wayne Caruthers was born on August 28, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas. Patricia was the daughter of Dr. Bertram Caruthers, Sr. and Evelyn Wayne Orme Caruthers and big sister to Dr. Bertram Caruthers, Jr.
Patricia graduated from Sumner High School in 1957, where she played oboe in the marching band. She was also notably one of the two top winners at the Kansas City Science fair in 1957 and then received a fourth-place award in the National Science fair in Los Angeles where her exhibit was chosen as one of 12 exhibitors to be sent to Japan for viewing by science students. After high school, she went on to attend Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. There she received a Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in English and Biology in 1962. Afterwards, she attended University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) where she earned a Master of Arts degree in higher education administration and English in 1965 and was widely celebrated as the first black student to earn a doctorate from UMKC in 1975.
Patricia had a passion for education throughout her career. She taught English at Northeast Junior High School, Afro-American Literature at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) and for the better part of her career, remained at KCKCC serving as Assistant to President and retiring as Vice President for Instructional and Student Services in 1994. In 2005, she was formally inducted alongside her father into the KCKCC Endowment Association’s Mid-America Education Hall of Fame.
Patricia was a Gold Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated with over 50 years of service. Additionally, from 1981-1982 she served as chapter president of the Mu Omega chapter in Kansas City, Kansas. Her contribution to the chapter was immeasurable as she increased membership, negotiated the contract for the legendary Ebony Fashion Fair every year and jointly sponsored the 30th anniversary debutante ball raising the most money given in the history of the debutante ball at that time.
Patricia also expressed a love for charity by way of volunteering and serving on multiple boards. Too many to list, but by far her favorite one was Cancer Action, Incorporated. Not only did she serve on the Board of Directors for nearly twenty years but she drove clients to their cancer appointments and sat with them during their time of need. She was recognized for her service in 2009 and by 2019 had logged the most hours driven.
Faith was the foundation of her life and guided the way she loved, served, and cared for others. She was a devoted and active member of her church (Heritage United Methodist Church), where she generously gave her time, energy, and talents in service to her faith community. Whether through worship, volunteering, supporting church ministries, or simply being present for those in need, she lived her beliefs through action and kindness. Her unwavering faith, servant’s heart, and dedication left a lasting impact on her church family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Patricia entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 11, 2026. She leaves to cherish her memory, brother Dr. Bertram Caruthers, Jr. of Kansas City, KS, nieces and nephew Camille (Cliff) Hodrick, Dana (Willie) Combs, Stephanie Caruthers, Cherie (Matt) Suther, and Bertram (Diorlena) Caruthers III; great nephews and nieces Bryce Hodrick and Justin Hodrick, Ramica Westbrook and Sheri Combs, Austin Caruthers-Scott, Matthew and Mason Suther, and Bertram Nasir Caruthers and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Dr. Bertram Caruthers, Sr. and Evelyn Wayne Orme Caruthers.
A memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Dr. Patricia W. Caruthers at the following link: https://www.razmobile.com/CancerActionKC/donation?campaignId=1555#donation-box .
Donations can also be mailed to: Cancer Action 7010 W. 107th Street, Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66212
Obituary published by Amos Family Funeral Home.
