Patricia P. "Pat" Anderson

Patricia P. "Pat" Anderson, 95, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born February 13, 1930, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Cleveland and Alma (Brown) Muir.

Patricia grew up on her parent's farm in Hartford Kansas where she learned all about hard work. She was an avid learner during her school years. Pat graduated from Hartford High School in Hartford, Kansas and shortly after was employed by the Kansas Veterans Commission. She became a military spouse and traveled for several years during her first marriage. Stationed at Clark Airforce Base, Philippines, in 1956 Pat’s first child was born (Daryl Krystofosky). In 1958 her second child (Carol Krystofosky) was born in Tawas City, Michigan. She spent a few years in Pennsylvania with her young children before moving back to the farm in Hartford, KS. In 1969 Pat made her way to Topeka, Kansas to her forever home when she married John Anderson. Pat gained three daughters (Kathy, Mary, and John) that she accepted as her own.

Pat’s career at the Kansas Museum of History became a lifelong job that she enjoyed and was completely passionate about. Pat knew ALL things Kansas, the history, all the buildings and landmarks and she kept well informed on current events throughout her 95 years of life. She was a member of the American Legion and the moose lodge, and she supported many organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

After retirement Pat always kept busy, as a volunteer at TPAC, attending workshops, seminars, and symposiums about her city and state as well as health and nutrition. Pat was a dedicated reader and found joy in reading the Topeka Capital Journal daily from front to back. Making notes and clipping articles to send to friends and family. Outside of her strong, intelligent, hardworking, always on the go side; Pat was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend. She loved to cook family dinners and bake. She had so many friends in the community and was known for taking baked goods to her friends and neighbors especially around the holidays. She spent her later years as a grandmother, going on outings, crafting, and teaching all life’s important lessons. Her favorite thing was just spending time with family and sharing stories about life. She was the best listener and advice giver! Many will sorely miss her love, kindness, and wisdom.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband John Anderson, her daughter, Carol Ann Krystofosky-Ryckert, her siblings, Vivian Nichols-Muir, Viola Muir, Velma Rayl-Muir, and Gilbert “Bud” Russel, grandchildren, John and Tabitha Krystofosky, and her son-in-law, Mike White.

Survivors include children, Daryl Krystofosky (Pam Lyden) of Topeka, KS, Mary (Alan) Strom of Fort Worth, Texas, Kathy White, Gardner, KS, John (Michael) Kelly of Louisville, TN, niece, Cheryl (Fred) Harvey of Derby, KS, nephew, Charlie (Merry) Rayl of Council Grove, KS, 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and several cousins.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Cremation will follow the service and private inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the KSU Cancer Center, 1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.

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