Patricia Harley McCaleb Myers passed peacefully at home on August 8, 2026 shortly after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer. She was born in Covington on August 21, 1947 to Robert Busby and Margaret LeRoy McCaleb. She is predeceased by her parents and younger brother Tom McCaleb. Also her “heart horse” Arabian of 30 years, Jinell, along with other special pets whom she would want included, true to her lifelong love of animals. Despite being raised on Fudge Street by a businessman and classical musician, she managed to be a tomboy from birth riding bikes in the streets and playing marbles with the boys. Fortunately her parents indulged her and eventually bought her first horse “Lady” who was boarded at the old fairgrounds (now Tractor Supply). Colonel Beirne served as her riding buddy and general partner in trail riding misadventures. Thus began the horse craze that wasn’t a phase. She graduated Covington High School in 1966 and Virginia Intermont College in 1968. After VI she excelled at the PCERF school of horsemanship in Badger, CA, winning the prestigious Ram Tap Combined Training Event at Pebble Beach. She also competed in other national shows. Pat worked at an Arabian horse farm in Kentucky in 1970, completing two 50 mile and two 100 mile endurance rides while in their employment. She also managed to attend the Kentucky Derby with the “track staff” that year. She later moved to Maryland and The Plains, VA to work at Thoroughbred farms retraining racehorses to be 3-day eventers. While there she participated in many foxhunts and the Washington International horseshow. She married in 1973 and had one daughter, Leigh Anne, in 1975. During these years in Catlett, VA she made new riding friends, including her lifelong sister-in-shenanigans Judy Burke. After working as a bus driver while pregnant, then as a rural mail carrier through her divorce in 1982, she moved back to Potts Creek. Pat lived with and cared for her own mother through her cancer journey. In 1985 Pat met the love of her life Eugene on a blind date, married in 1986 and created a wonderful blended family. They recently had a large 40th anniversary celebration. Together they farmed until her last months. It’s impossible to imagine one without the other, the truest of partners and the model of an ideal marriage. Pat was a deacon of Lone Star Baptist Church for decades, treasurer for several years, and volunteer through many outreach programs including the Clothes Closet, VBS, and ladies programs. She was a Girl Scout troop leader for several years, drove the Camp Clifington bus and lifeguarded for the camp pool. The Alleghany Highlands Chorale was also one of her passions for many decades as well. Pat is probably most widely known for her years of bus driving for the Alleghany County public schools. She thoroughly enjoyed driving the girls’ sports teams and enthusiastically cheering for “her girls”, much to the chagrin of the referees. Later the highlight of her life became camping, hiking, biking and just spending time with her grandkids. The ultimate active Meemaw, she set a family record at Space Mountain by riding it 10 consecutive times (after parents quit) and wasn’t even staggering off the ride. Pat was in amazing physical shape and often challenged her grandson in arm wrestling, with the laughing response “why can’t you be a NORMAL grandma?”. Pat is survived by her husband Eugene Myers. Daughters Leigh Anne Oxenreider Bowen (David), grandchildren Mira and Army 2nd Lieutenant Spencer Bowen. Melanie Myers Walton (Allen), grandchildren Alan (Tamara) and Jeramie (Sara) Jefferies, Kaylyn and Jacklyn Walton. Shannon Myers Overton (Scott Rowan) and grandchildren Brandon Overton and Morgan Myers. Also survived by 5 great grandchildren, sister Judy Miles (Hugh), sisters-in-law Sharon McCaleb and Peggy Doyle (Jimmy), Judy Burke, and multiple special nieces. And she would insist on including her canine “kids” Penny and Slim. She never met a stranger. Loved big and was loved back. Our family appreciates the outpouring of support and condolences from everywhere. Celebration of life will be held at Arritt’s funeral home in Covington, VA on August 15. Visitation at 3 followed by service at 4:30pm. In true Pat fashion, we ask that everyone dress colorfully. Cowboy boots or anything equestrian themed would be fantastic if inclined. Arritt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com. Donations in lieu of flowers to Samaritans Purse, or Freedom Ride Rescue (dear to her, where she adopted her dogs). Freedom Ride Rescue 615 Monroe Dr, Raleigh 27604 or http://freedom-ride.org/patmyers .
