Patricia J. Ponciroli (Suntrup), 85, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on January 24, 2025. Pat was born in St. Louis, the beloved daughter of the late Geraldine “Jerry” and John “Jack” Suntrup, and was raised in Brentwood, MO, with fourteen siblings: Joann, Hank, Dick, Bob, Jim, Mary, Danny, Mike, Mark, Cathy, Peter, Paul, Dave, and Steve.
Patricia lived a remarkable life filled with love, adventure, and dedication.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, sister, and friend. Patricia is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charley; her children Charley, Michael (Anisa), and Albert (Shawna); her grandchildren Tristan, Morgan (Chad), Michael, and Francesca; and her great-grandchildren Orson and Silas. As the second oldest in a family of 15, she helped with her siblings and grew up surrounded by many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Patricia loved camping at Huzzah and Gerald with her family. She cherished the memory of getting lost in a cave with her brother Dick, only to be found and rescued by her brother Hank. She spent countless hours driving the blue bus, collecting newspapers for the Cub Scouts, running errands, and jumping railroad tracks while singing “Up, Up and Away” in her beautiful balloon.
She began her career at an insurance company, where she met her lifelong friend Joanie. Later, she married Charley, and together they started Standard Refrigeration. Patricia wore many hats, working as a secretary, bookkeeper, and manager. She and Joanie shared many adventures together, including taking up scuba diving as a hobby and learning the importance of “puff puff pass” at 30 feet below the water.
Patricia and Charley’s home was known for lively Halloween pizza parties. They would fit as many people as possible inside the house, and Patricia made sure everyone left full. She had a passion for helping others and was deeply involved in community activities. She supported her parish Saint Mary Magdalen, the Scouts, Operation Clean Stream, Missouri Conservation Federation, and Woman’s Place in Maplewood.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Sunday, February 2 from 3-7 pm. and then at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church (2618 Brentwood Blvd.) on Monday, February 3 from 9:00 am. until Funeral Mass time at 9:30 am. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Patricia lived a full and rich life with the help of Charley, her family, and her friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Martha’s: https://saintmarthas.org/give.
“Aunt” Pat was the best! Most of my best childhood memories include Pat. She was so loving, kind and supportive. Pat had a great smile and an infectious laugh. She taught us so many things and she was always there for us! Pizza, hikes and basket weaving were just a few of her specialities! We will miss you, but see you soon!! Fly, be free! We love you!
We were so sorry to hear the news of Aunt Pat’s passing. She was my Godmother. I will always remember her laugh and smile and the ways her eyes lit up, being entertained by whatever song was sung (Frosty or that Old Gang of Mine!) or story that was being shared. I wish I could hear her telling the story about being lost in the cave and rescued by my dad, Hank. Wouldn’t it be special to hear them both tell it?! I don’t recall hearing it. I do recall that beautiful photo of Hank walking Aunt Pat down the aisle in her wedding day. Precious. That should grace someone’s wall someday.
Memories of camping at Red Oak and the Huzzah are simply the best. And the amazing Friday night pizza fests growing up with little Charley, Michael and Albert were so much fun. I remember when she made homemade raviolis with my mom when we lived in Ellisville. We had quite an assembly line going in the basement. Delicious.
We will always remember Aunt Pat as one of the kind and gentle Suntrup women who often emulated Grandma Suntrup – such a caring and giving soul. I expect she boarded a rocket ship directly to heaven, and I suspect Hank didn’t need to rescue her this time.
All our love and prayers to Uncle Charley, little Charley, Michael, Albert and all the family. We are thinking of you!
Love, ❤️
Lisa, Julie, Jay, Stephanie and Christopher
Sorry For your loss
Love John and Terry