Patty Lou Race

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

Throughout her life, Patty devoted herself to her community and family with unwavering love and commitment. She spent many years at Penn Yan Central Schools as a substitute teacher and teacher’s aide, touching the lives of countless students through her kindness and dedication.

A pillar of strength and a beacon of love, Patty found her greatest joy in her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her family. She was 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; her sister Connie Palmisano; her sister and brother-in-law Norma and William Lunney; her brother-in-law James Rockwell; and her sister-in-law Ann Race.

Patty is survived by 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 is also survived by her sisters Mary Rockwell, Winnie (Richard) Radka, Judy Thompson, and Susie Brusen, all of New York; her brothers Albert (Susan) Barkley of Connecticut and James (Linda) Barkley of New York; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will forever treasure her memory. Her life was a beautiful testament to love, dedication, and family, and she will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.