It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Rariden, aged 69, on January 7, 2025. She went to be with the Lord after a 17 month battle with cancer and will be deeply missed. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Pat was born on August 25, 1955, in Spokane, Washington. She grew up in Modesto, California, and graduated from Modesto High School in 1973. Shortly after graduation she moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she worked for the Navigators. This season of her life greatly impacted her faith, shaping her love for the Lord that continued throughout her life.

She met her future husband, Joel, while in Colorado Springs and they quickly got engaged and married on November 20, 1977. Joel’s military service allowed them to live overseas as newlyweds which is where they welcomed their first daughter, Kimberlee, in 1980. Upon returning to the states and accompanied with multiple moves, they welcomed their son David in 1982 and lastly Michelle in 1986. The family eventually settled more permanently in Northern Virginia where they lived for over 35 years. She cherished these years as she lived out one of her greatest callings of being a mother.

One of Pat’s largest legacies was her years of ministry serving as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Christian Fellowship Church for 22 years. Through the years she oversaw children's programming on Sunday morning, Wednesday evenings, Vacation Bible School, and overnight church camps every summer. “Miss Pat”, as the children lovingly referred to her, has impacted thousands of children who stepped through the church building year after year.

Her greatest joys were her grandchildren. Pat stepped down from her role at the church to serve her family by caring for her grandchildren before they entered elementary school and by hosting annual “Gammy Camp” taking her years of experience of running church camp to creating core memories for her grandkids. She loved spending time with her husband of 47 years as they traveled frequently together embarking on new adventures every year. The couple recently relocated to Charles Town, WV, to enjoy beautiful sunrises in their backyard and proximity to Kim’s family. Her love for children and the Lord never waivered even in her final years as she discipled the next generation through Community Bible Study. She had many cherished friendships through all seasons of life and her joy, enthusiasm, and laugh will be deeply missed.

Pat was preceded in death by her father, Wesley Groves and her son-in-law, Ben Settle. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband Joel Rariden and her children Kim (Steven) Stiles, David (Katie) Rariden, and Michelle Settle; her mother Georgia Groves; her brothers Michael Groves and Ron Groves and her sister Carrie (David) Remington; and nine grandchildren: Jacob, Elizabeth, Sofia, Zachary, Luke, Caleb, Nathan, Madeline and Silas. 

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