Patricia Kay Grusendorf, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, entered Heaven on October 20, 2026. She was born on October 14th, 1933, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Jerome Richard and Josephine Kay. Pat spent her early years in Anderson, South Carolina where she discovered her love for both the piano and organ. In latter school days at North Junior High and Waco High, in Waco, Texas, she excelled in drama and played clarinet in both the junior high and high school bands.
It was during her high school days that she met her future husband, William Connor (Bill) Grusendorf. They both attended Arlington Junior College participating in the marching and concert band as well as honing their skills as professional musicians with their own stage band.
On February 16, 1952, they married and moved to Fort Worth, Texas. Bill continued his music career at Texas Christian University while Pat supported him as the youngest supervisor, at the time, at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. While in Fort Worth, they continued to partner in the evenings with their stage band performances, Bill on trumpet and Pat on piano.
Pat became a mother to Rebecca Lynn, born in 1955, and Constance Kay, born in 1957. Later that year, they moved to Rockdale, Texas. Bill was director of bands for the school, and Pat served as organist for the First Christian Church and directed class plays and school musicals. It was also in Rockdale where Pat and Bill became members at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and her love for the service grew. She was a member of the Women’s Guild, taught Sunday School, and co-sponsored the youth group with Bill. When the couple moved to Lampasas, Texas, in 1972, Pat faithfully served as a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
In 1974, Bill and Pat moved to San Saba, Texas. Pat opened her own business – a gift shop, Potpourri, and managed the Sears Roebuck Catalog Agency. She was also involved in local and state government as well as community activities. Pat continued her love for church service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she shared her gift and love for music as the church organist for over 50 years.
In all that Pat did, whether in church service, music, drama, gardening, or home décor, she brought a sense of art and grace and love for all things beautiful. Her legacy will continue to shine in future generations to come.
Pat is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Bill Grusendorf; daughters: Becky Whitley and husband Buddy, and Connie Bridges and husband Lee; grandchildren: Katherine Bridges, Michael Whitley and wife Christi, and Ami and husband Chris Stewart; and four great-grandchildren: Joshuah, Colton, Emma, and Elliana; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Joseph Richard Kay. A visitation for Patricia will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Saba. A funeral service will follow the visitation and begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba.
Pallbearers: Keith Kay, Lee Bridges, Buddy Whitley, Michael Whitley, George Scott Miller, and Fred Kemper.
Honorary Pallbearers: Col. Jim Halvorson, Tom Griese, John Paul Dretke, Dustin Lewis, Christopher Cummings, and Charlie Fowler.
Online condolences can be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.