Patricia was born in Columbus on November 12, 1929. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1947.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Indiana University and a Master’s Degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Indiana University.
She was a lifetime member of the Indiana Alumni Association. She was a devoted fan to IU Sports, especially Bobby Knight, Branch McCracken and John Pont, being a football and basketball season ticket holder for decades. She attended the 1967 Rose Bowl featuring Indiana and USC.
She was an antique collector with her mom and sister. She was a long-time member and supporter of the Bartholomew County Historical Society and The Daughters of The American Revolution. She was an expert on the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. She was especially proud of her step-father Denny Tilley’s military service and survival at Pearl Harbor.
Patty was an educator at various locations including being a long-time special education teacher at Douglas Franklin School in Indianapolis.
Patty had a very special relationship with her mother, step-father and sister. They did everything together.
Patty loved animals and has taken care of many cats and dogs over the years. She was an avid reader, enjoying all types of literature. She also loved to travel, especially enjoying her trip to Europe with her sister and her annual trips to Florida with Mary Ellen Abel.
Patty had a lasting positive impact on those who knew her best. Her compassion and care, along with her stubbornness and wit will be very much missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Smith and Buenelle Mae Fox Smith Tilley; her step-father, Denny Jack Tilley; and sister, Jacqueline Y. Smith.
Survivors include her cousin, Tim Jarnagin of Columbus; and loving caregivers, Lisa Hall of Brownstown, Pam Marling of North Vernon, Alisa Hendrickson, Stephanie Nix and Nancy Martinez, all of Columbus.
A special thank you is also extended to her neighbor and friend, Tom Lane, for all that he did for Patty.
Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Hathaway-Myers Chapel with Rector Marc Vance officiating. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials in Patty’s name are suggested to the Bartholomew County Historical Society or Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E, Inc.).
The family will receive online condolences at: www.Hathaway-Myers.com.
Hathaway-Myers Chapel is serving the Smith family.
