Patricia Tatum Riehl

Patricia Tatum Riehl, 74, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Pat was born in Martinsville, VA, daughter of the late Richard Early Tatum and Mattie Lorrene Covington Tatum. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, William Riehl.

Pat was always open to adventure, graduating from Aiken High School, getting a degree in Interior Design from the University of Georgia, and moving to New Orleans upon graduation. An active singer, Pat met her husband in New Orleans through the Sweet Adelines chorus Harmony Harbor. Together they called the following cities home: New Orleans, LA; Austin, TX; London, England; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Aberdeen, Scotland; and finally retired to Aiken SC.

In her life, Pat had an appreciation for the beautiful and eye-catching, and never passed up an opportunity to acquire a heart-shaped rock, a black-and-white mug or something shiny to add to her extensive collection. Pat volunteered countless hours in the local community theater, creating costumes, fabulous hats and props for many productions with her sister, Anita Hanna. Multiple editions of the Aiken High School yearbook were published under her scrutiny for typos, while her artistic eye and skill were used to create many displays for the art department.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Alex Tatum Riehl, Clermont, FL; her son, Spencer Tatum Riehl, Taylorsville, UT; siblings, Mike Tatum, Aiken, Anita Hanna, Aiken, Jack Tatum, AL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3PM on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Aiken’s First Baptist Church, with the Reverend Dr. John Carroll officiating. It is requested that all attendees wear something yellow, her favorite color! The family will receive friends in the church parlor following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (The Parkinson's Foundation).

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE, AIKEN, SC