Patricia Ann Zachary

Patricia Ann Zachary, 86, of Walters, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, in Walters.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Walters, with Don Crow officiating. Interment will follow in the Walters Cemetery, under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home.

Patricia Ann (Simmons) Zachary was born on June 25, 1939, south of Walters, Oklahoma, to Ralph Garland and Ruby (Long) Simmons. Pat spent her childhood growing up south of Walters along West Cache Creek and later near the Red River in the Taylor Store community, before her family made their permanent home in Walters. She belonged to the Walters High School Class of 1957.

Pat married the love of her life, Leo Allen Zachary, on August 25, 1956, at First Baptist Church in Walters. Together, they raised three children and made their home in Walters, living in the same home for 66 years - a place filled with family, learning, and love.

Teaching was Pat’s calling, so she followed in the footsteps of a few of her special aunts and pursued her career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cameron University in 1972 and later her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1985. She earned her teaching certificate in 1972 and completed her student teaching in Temple, Oklahoma. She taught briefly at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lawton before beginning a long and devoted career at Walters Elementary School, where she taught multiple grades before becoming what was her true calling, the elementary librarian. Known for fully bringing stories to life by taking on each book’s characters as she read, Pat captivated her students and left a lasting impression on countless children over the years.

After retiring from Walters Public Schools in 1996, Pat continued her service in education, working with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and then the Oklahoma Department of Libraries before retiring. Even in retirement, she couldn’t stay away from the classroom and volunteered for several years reading to elementary students - something that brought her great joy.

Pat was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, where she was active in many roles, including teaching the Ladies Bible Class. She cherished her quiet mornings, often found sitting by her east window watching the birds with a cup of coffee and her Bible. She served more than 15 years on the Walters Public Library Board and 5 of those as board president. She enjoyed playing Mahjong, reading anything by Agatha Christie, and watching mystery shows and MASH. She loved traveling the world, having visited all but two continents.

Above all else, Pat treasured her family. Known lovingly as “Nana,” she adored every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leo Zachary; and two grandchildren, Rena Zachary and Jeremy Miller.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three children, Jody Zachary and Becky of Oklahoma City; Nikki Miller and Ray of Walters; and Jeff Zachary and Penny of Walters; six grandchildren, Erin Simpson and Shannon of Wichita Falls, Texas; Kera Logan and Ty of Walters; Jacob Zachary Ray Miller of Walters; Colten Zachary and Macey of Walters; Payten Leo Zachary of Walters; and Jennifer Morgan and Heath of Walters; nine great-grandchildren, Ethan Miller; Gage and Kylie Simpson; Halle, Ryder, and Trip Hanson; and Annabelle, Colt, and Jackson Zachary; along with many special cousins and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Walters Public Library, Walters Education Foundation, or the Walters Cemetery Association.