Patricia “Pat” Lufty Apple was a native of Reidsville, N.C., born on March 15, 1933. She was the daughter of N.B. “Nap” Lufty and Rachel Creech Lufty. Pat graduated from Reidsville High School in 1951. An accomplished musician, Pat studied music at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro, the Juilliard School of Music in New York, and Florida State University. Pat was a Pianist, Vocalist, and Organist. Pat directed church and civic choirs as well as choral groups throughout her life.
Professional experiences include, but not limited to, the U.S. Civil Service, Technical Librarian for the Space Industry, executive secretary and bookkeeper, public relations representative, and associate editor of a newspaper.
Pat was also a writer and columnist, radio/TV host and panelist. Pat studied Parliamentary law and served in state, political and private organizations. Pat was named Republican Woman of the Year (Texas, 1971).
Pat was a past member of the Reidsville Garden Club and the William Bethel Chapter of the D.A.R. She was a volunteer at hospitals and soup kitchens. She helped establish Hospice and Compassionate Friends programs in Austin, Texas. Pat became a Certified Stephen Minister/Grief Counselor. Pat is a past board member and instructor at Hospice of Rockingham County. Pat was also a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist church, Reidsville.
Due to failing health, Pat moved in 2017 to Spring, Texas and established her residence at The Village at Gleannloch Farms where she became active in resident affairs and was a New Resident Ambassador.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Nap Lufty and Rachel Lufty, a son, Hank, and her beloved husband, W. B. “Dud” Apple of Reidsville. She is survived by family members including: daughter JoyBeth Lufty of Houston, Texas; and son Bill and daughter-in-law Karen Luyties of Spring, Texas. Grandchildren include William Luyties, Bobby and Risha Luyties, Kerri (Luyties) and David Smith; and great grandchildren Emma Luyties, Megan Luyties, and Chloe Luyties.
Also surviving are extended family members including: stepson Dee and Nancy Apple of Princeton, NJ, stepdaughter Anne (Apple) and Donnie Lee of Reidsville, NC, and stepdaughter Susan (Apple) and Jimmy Neuhoff of Greenville, NC. Step-grandchildren include Olivia Apple, Will Apple, Kristin Apple and spouse Adam Haggar, Heather Lee, Keatts Lee and Katie Lee, Katie Apple, Joe and Jessica Apple, Ben and Eliza Apple; and step-great grandchildren Simona Haggar, Salem Lee, Parks Lee, Caleb Apple, Charlie Apple, Carter Apple; Emma Apple and Jackson Apple.
Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Apple family.
###
