Obituary of Patricia Gayle Miner

Patricia was born on April 26, 1937, and passed away on January 20, 2019.  She leaves behind her children Dennis (Shelly) Miner, Sondra (Doug) Houtkooper, Ann (Jeff) Smith, and Michael (Missy) Miner, by her siblings Beth Fletcher, Jim (Brooke) Simpson, Susan (John) Blizzard, Kathy (Rich) Barnes, and Jean (Rick) Yuncker, by grandchildren Megan, Nathan, and Jessica Miner, Joshua Houtkooper, Erich and Lauren Miner, Amber and Maddie Smith, plus many nieces and nephews.  Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lauraine Simpson, her brother Dick, her baby sister Margaret, brother-in-law Lew Fletcher, and her grandson Matthew.

Patricia was raised in a large and loving family.  She excelled in school and helped her mother with her younger siblings.  In her lifetime Pat had many jobs, including secretary, but in her heart her true profession was a teacher.   She was incredibly active in her church, in Sunday school and choir, and she pursued theological studies for her own enrichment.  People remember Pat for her beautiful smile, fashion sense, quick wit, and imagination. When her children were young, she loved to write poems and stories and to create crafts with them.  Also, she sewed outfits for herself, for her daughters, and for their dolls. Her family remembers delicious baking like braided cinnamon roll, pecan pie, and hot fudge pudding cake. Other hobbies included reading, gardening, singing,  and volunteering for scouts and 4H. Treasured moments later in Pat’s life always included her beloved grandchildren.

In later years, dementia robbed Patricia of some verbal skills, but she retained her bright smile and her love of music.  Her family thanks the caring, devoted staff at Medilodge of Portage, as well as her case worker and nurse from Southern Care Hospice for helping make her final years as comfortable as possible.  

The family will hold Patricia’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gryphon Place or to any organization furthering research into the cure of dementia.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and faithful.  I Peter 5:10