Patricia Elsie Bumby, age 88, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Born on March 13, 1938, in New Rochelle, New York, Patricia was the beloved daughter of her adoptive parents, Elsie Downey and Harry Seaman Downey. She grew up with a heart for service, music, and faith, qualities that would define her throughout her life.
Patricia attended Potsdam College in Potsdam, New York, where she completed four years of study in 1960. She later qualified as a deaconess through Valparaiso, preparing for a life dedicated to serving others. On August 3, 1962, she married the love of her life, Norman Bumby, whom she met in Massena, New York. Together they shared a devoted marriage and an adventurous spirit that led them to serve as missionaries in Nigeria, Africa, from 1964 to 1966, an experience they treasured throughout their lives.
A gifted and accomplished violinist, Patricia shared her musical talents with countless people over the years. She performed with numerous orchestras and played for Disney on Ice productions, weddings, and many special events. She also found great joy in teaching others as a private music instructor, inspiring generations of students through her love of music and dedication to excellence. In addition to her passion for music, Patricia found comfort and happiness in knitting, creating handmade gifts for those she loved, and she had a special affection for her beloved cats, who were faithful companions throughout the years.
Above all, Patricia's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother and she will be deeply missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Norman Bumby.
She is survived by five sons, Paul Bumby (Jenell), Daniel Bumby (Betty), Matthew Bumby (Sheri), Mark Bumby (Suzan), and Phillip Bumby (Judy); her grandchildren, Jessica Koleno (Kenny), Allison Collender (Cody), Michael (Caroline), Danielle (Justin), Ian, Amiee, Allan, Christopher, Michael, Aric, Nichole, and Brandon; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Nolan, Lincoln, Raelynn, Layla, Randy, Eleanor, Jessica, Allen, Elijah, Annabella, Kein, Carly, Marty, Sophia, Willow, Haidon, Atlas, and Brysen.
Her family will hold a public visitation from 10 am - 12 pm on August 3, 2026 at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray, KY 42071. A private family interment will follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, KY.
Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.
