Obituary for Patricia Ann Hulsey

Patricia Ann Trow, Hulsey, 80, of Ames, died Sunday Sept 12, at Rehab Center of Des Moines.  The body was cremated.  A memorial service will be 11am Saturday, Sept 25 at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, celebration of life to follow. 

Pat was born Apr 21, 1941, in Ames to Earl and Darlene Trow.  She graduated from Ames High School in 1959 and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1965.  During her ISU career she performed archeological digs at Red Rock Reservoir, IA.  She received her Texas Teaching Certificate from Sam Houston State University in 1972. 

Pat’s hard work ethic began early with helping her father deliver milk in the 1950’s for Trow Milk, she was an ISU Hub attendant for Trow Milk and Vending in the 1960’s.  Pat married William (Bill) Kirk Hulsey Jr in 1967.  She was a Red Cross Volunteer at Airforce/Army Hospital in Khoret, Thailand in 1969 where her husband was stationed.  In 1972 she was a special education coordinator in Bay City, Texas.  Pat and Bill had one daughter Tracy (Kevin) Asmus. They moved back to Ames in 1976 (divorcing in 1978).  Pat worked as General Manager for the family business, TAVCO (Trow Automatic Vending Company).  She held various roles on the Iowa Automatic Merchandising Association:  Board of Directors, Secretary, and President.  Eventually selling the family business in 1998, Pat worked in the ATM department of First National Bank, Ames where she retired in 2007.  Pat kept busy during her retirement working as an usher at Iowa State Center sporting events, concerts, and plays.  She was an avid Cyclone fan.  Pat loved to travel and went on dream trips to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Machu Picchu in Peru, as well as, cruises to Alaska, and the Panama Canal.

Pat was a very active volunteer in the Ames community.  She was a Tri Delta Sorority Alumni and Financial Advisor.  She had many roles at the Collegiate Presbyterian Church:  Sunday School teacher, Board of Deacons, Elders, Christian Education Chairperson, and Board of Trustees.  Her roles at the Center for Creative Justice (CCJ): Probation Supervisor, Board of Directors, Secretary, Treasurer, and Mediator.  Her roles on the Ames Chamber of Commerce:  University Relations Committee and Chamber Ambassador.  Pat was also a member of the Unity Church of Ames.  She volunteered with the Red Cross in Ames. 

Pat was quoted as saying “I still feel my role as a single mother has been the most important position I have held.”