Remembering Patricia 'Pat' Irene Hampton Walz: A Pillar of the Hershey Community

Patricia 'Pat' Irene Hampton Walz, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on March 24, 2026, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, leaving behind a legacy of love, care, and dedication to her community. Born on January 19, 1952, in Sutherland to Robert Daniel and Hannah Marie (Stumpf) Hampton, Pat grew up two miles north of Hershey and attended Hershey Public Schools, where she would later return to touch the lives of countless students as a teacher's aide and secretary.

On January 23, 1971, Pat married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Walz, at the United Methodist Church in Hershey, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together. The couple spent their early years in a small house along the North Platte River before moving into the home they built together in 1976. This home became a hub of love, laughter, and memories for their family and friends. Throughout her career, Pat served her community with unwavering dedication, working as a teacher's aide for the Birdwood School District, serving as secretary for the Hershey United Methodist Church, and later returning to Hershey Public Schools as a teacher's aide and then as the Grades 7–12 Secretary, a role she held for more than 25 years until her retirement in 2018.

Pat's impact on her community extends far beyond her professional roles. She was a pillar of strength and support, known for her fierce love and defense of her family and friends. Her passion for baking, inherited from her mother, brought joy to all who tasted her creations. Moreover, her love for music led her to form the contemporary Christian singing group 'God's Children' with her lifelong friends Carol Eshleman, Carolyn Fear, Jannette Lantis, and Sandy Kruback. Together, they performed at venues throughout the area, spreading messages of faith and unity.

Pat is survived by her children, Steven Walz and Alicia (Lucas) Odean; her grandchildren, Emma (Cody Ingo), Brady, and Alise Odean; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Randy and Sheila Walz; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sherri and Dave Laubner; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Though she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her sister, Teresa Marquardt; and her parents, Robert and Hannah Hampton, her memory and legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Pat's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to help offset the cost of care. Those wishing to share condolences may do so online at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements, providing support during this difficult time.

As the community comes together to remember Pat, it is clear that her impact will be deeply felt for years to come. Her dedication to her family, her community, and her faith has left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her. Through her story, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of service, love, and devotion to those around us.