Patricia Ann “Patt” Buell

Patricia Ann “Patt” Buell

October 5, 1936 – February 26, 2024

Patricia Ann “Patt” Buell of Omaha, NE, passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 87.  Patt touched the lives of many friends and family throughout her life and will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by mother, Merlyn Henderson; father, Charles Buell; stepmother, Caroline Buell; stepfather, Bill Henderson; sister, Winsome Namestek; and nieces, Laurie and Felicia Bowden.  She is survived by brother-in-law, Frank Namestek; nieces, Tami (Troy) Christiansen and Teri (Nathan) Shokey, nephew-in-law, Michael Bowden; nephews, John Bowden and Paul Bowden; and many other relatives and close friends.

Patt was an Omaha native. She graduated from Central High School and attended Omaha University where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Art. When she graduated, she joined the working world as a commercial artist for Northern Natural Gas where she eventually served as Art Director. Patt enjoyed art outside of work in many forms. She helped with the Pilot Lights and Exhaust Notes newsletters, she loved photography, and created many of her own works of art in a variety of media.

Beyond art, racing was a huge part of Patt’s life.  She was very proud of her lifetime membership in the Sports Car Club of America.  She was a trailblazer as a woman in racing and an active member of the NRSCCA up until the very end of her life. Patt served on the Board of Nebraska Region for 15 years, was Editor for 21 years as well as Assistant R.E. and Competition Chair.  She was one of the History Team’s Archivist. Throughout her life as a member of the SCCA, Patt won many awards including the Woody Dunn (Outstanding Contribution to the Region), the Byers Trophy (Best Event), the National Competition Driver Trophy and the Worker’s Cup. She was a member of the 100% Club for several years. As Editor, she received national recognition for Best Small Region Publication twice and the Regional Communications Award (best in the Nation!). In honor of her many contributions to the SCCA and her awards, Patt received the Jerry Doctor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. All her friends at the NRSCCA truly loved and will miss her.

Another beloved pastime of Patt’s was summering in North Park Colorado where she co-owned a cabin with life-long friends, Richard, Karen, and Greg Schuett. Together the Schuetts and Patt spent many summers working hard to restore and update their log cabin. They enjoyed exploring the beauty and history of the national forests around them and spending evenings playing cards. Patt also appreciated catching up and adventuring with follow cabin owners in the Big Creek Valley each year.  The valley will not be the same without her! 

Patt’s big heart showed in her support of several different charities throughout the years. In that spirit, her art supplies have been donated to Red Barn School. If you would like to donate to Red Barn School in Patt’s memory, please make checks out to CCSA dba Red Barn Schoolhouse and for more information you can visit www.crescentschoolhouse.org.

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A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 1pm to 3pm at Countryside Community Church, 13130 Faith Plaza in Omaha.