PATRICIA HERSHEY was born in Illinois and moved to Ohio at the age of nine. She grew up on a farm in Columbia Station. After graduation from Baldwin Wallace College, she taught & coached for thirty years before retiring. Pat worked part time for the YMCA, continued to coach and was an antique dealer.
Pat dearly loved her family. She was born a twin on November 10, 1950 to Earl and Doris (Toneman) Saville in Elgin, Ill. She was preceded to eternal life by her mom and dad and her brothers, Robert Saville and Richard Cadwalader. Pat is survived by her sisters, Pamela (Tom) Schroeder and Jeanne (Mark) Zimmerman; sister-in-law, Sheila Cadwalader; eight nieces and nephews; 21 grand nieces and nephews and many cousins – all with whom she enjoyed spending time.
Pat was five and was placed on a large white mare, her obsession with horses has never waned. This passion grew with her first horse, Honeybee, and reached a pinnacle when one of her grandbaby horses raced in the Kentucky Derby. Through all these passions Pat has gained many lasting friendships. Many of these friends have been there for her, especially during the trials of this past year.
Pat participated in 4-H, riding western, hunter-jumpers, and eventing. On her Rainbow Run Farm in Medina, Ohio, she began raising thoroughbreds in 1986. She had the thrill of a lifetime when Stake Winner, Sweet Minister, bred by Pat, produced Sinister Minister, a G1 winner of the 2006 Toyota Blue Grass Stake and Kentucky Derby contender. Her farm also produced Raise the Reward, Champion Handicap Horse & Accredited Male in 2013, among other winners.
Pat was an active member of the OTBO, serving on the Board for thirteen years, as well as the Treasurer and serving on the Breeders’ and Membership committees.
“So very sorry to learn of the passing of Pat Hershey. She was a vocal and long-time champion of Ohio racing. She loved her horses as if they were her children. I treasured the one we shared together – Raise the Reward – and all the wonderful times he brought us both. She will be dearly missed.” Michael Annechino
