Patty Ann Childs

Patricia Ann “Patty” Childs, 70, a devout Catholic from Edgewood, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after courageously fighting an illness.

Born in Morgantown, WV, she was the daughter of the late Patsy Rochelle Costello and Josephine Marie Gribble. Patty was the beloved wife of Ronald Glenn Childs, with whom she shared 51 wonderful years of marriage.

She was the devoted mother of Melissa (Robert) DeLauder of Terra Alta, WV, Jeanna (Bob) Nasser of Yorktown, VA, and Rodney (Shannon) Childs of Hampstead, MD. Cherished grandmother of Robert “Bobcat” DeLauder, Triston (Bree’Anna) Brady, Corey Brady, George DeLauder, Kaleb Brady, and Christian Childs; and proud great-grandmother of Delilah Adkins, Milo Brady, and Ellianna Brady.

Over the years, Patty and Ron opened their hearts and home to 18 foster children, forming lasting bonds with many of them, especially Faith Wilson, Nancy Bosserman, and special grandson Zeke. She also shared a very special relationship with Sheri (Michael) Anderson and their children, Baileigh, Colton, and Sage.

Patty is also survived by her half-siblings: Rick (Pam) Costello, Dave (Tracy) Gribble, Jacqueline (Todd) McNair, Percy (Carol) Riffle, Mark (Amy) Costello, Eric (Tracy) Costello, Patsy (Patrick) Sayers, Stephanie (David) Lipscomb, and Felicia (James) Taylor; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Her surviving aunts and uncles include Harry (Barb) Zuchowski, Faye Zuchowski, Pat (Liz) Zuchowski, Trudy Zuchowski, Helena Brant, and Shelby Costello.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Thomas and Rose Zuchowski, paternal grandparents Gaetino and Filomena Costello, infant sister Jackie Gribble, sister Tammy Marin, and many dear aunts and uncles who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Patty was a faithful member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Father Wolf Council Ladies Auxiliary. Her journey in the Catholic faith began at a young age when she would walk to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church—her devotion never wavered. She was also proud to receive an Honorary Chapter of the FFA Degree.

A woman of many talents and compassion, Patty spent her life serving others. Her husband’s career allowed them to travel often, giving her the opportunity to work in many different capacities—most devoted to helping those facing dementia, Alzheimer’s, behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities. She was a certified BLS/CPR trainer, an EMT for KAMP Ambulance, a Direct Support Professional at Valley Mental Health, a Mental Health Worker at Hoffman Homes for Youth, a Social Service Director at Life Care, and an Activities Director at Country Meadows, where she received the Central Penn Parent Healthcare Heroes Award in 2014. Patty also owned and operated a Pizza and Pasta restaurant, sharing her love of food and fellowship with her community.

An avid bowler, and lover of bingo, poker, and baking, Patty was best known for her delicious cinnamon rolls and pepperoni rolls, which she loved teaching others to make. After retiring, she and Ron enjoyed traveling the United States in their RV, cherishing their time together and with family.

Patty’s greatest joy was her family—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those she loved like her own. She considered her brothers- and sisters-in-law—Dale (Martha) Childs, Dave (Aimee) Childs, Jean (John) Murphy, and Mary Ellen Turner—not as in-laws, but as true brothers and sisters.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors and nurses who cared for Patty, especially Gilchrist Hospice nurse Elaine Nohe, for their compassion and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patty’s memory to: Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary #11372 Make checks payable to: Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary #11372 Mail to: 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009

A graveside service will take place on Saturday November 22, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, in Kingwood, West Virginia