Patty Lou Race

Patty Lou Race, of Benton Center, NY, peacefully passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on May 30, 1941, in Penn Yan, Patty was the beloved daughter of the late Albert and Olee Barkley.

Throughout her life, Patty dedicated herself to her community and family with unwavering love and commitment. She devoted many years to the Penn Yan Central Schools, where she served as a Substitute Teacher and Teacher’s Aide, touching the lives of countless students with her kindness and dedication.

Patty was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love for all who knew her. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was lovingly preceded in death by her parents; her sons Jon Race and David Snyder; her husband of 60 years, Merrill “Mike” Race, who passed in 2021; as well as her sister Connie Palmisano, sister and brother-in-law Norma and William Lunney, brother-in-law James Rockwell, and sister-in-law Ann Race.

Patty leaves behind a loving legacy through her children Gary Race of Penn Yan, Merrill and Patricia Race of North Carolina, Brian and Veronica Race of Bradford, Valeria and Chuck Corson of North Carolina, Tina Erskine of Canandaigua, Milton and Brenda Race of Geneva, and her daughter-in-law Lisa Race of Penn Yan. She also is survived by her sisters Mary Rockwell of NY, Winnie (Richard) Radka of NY, Judy Thompson of NY, and Susie Brusen of NY; and brothers, Albert (Susan) Barkley of CT, and James (Linda) Barkley of NY; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will treasure her memory dearly.

In honor of Patty’s generous spirit, memorial donations may be made to the Benton Volunteer Fire Department, 932 Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.WeldonFuneralHome.com.

The family will receive friends at Weldon Funeral Home, 102 E. Main St., Penn Yan on Wednesday (March 18th) from 11am-1pm; followed by a funeral service at 1pm.

Patty Lou Race’s life was a beautiful testament to love, dedication, and family. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.