Patricia Ann Fletcher

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Patricia Ann Fletcher, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

       She was the daughter of Robert and Inez Perkins. Raised in Peoria Heights, Illinois, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Patricia was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Patricia was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Patricia was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Patricia also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Patricia was raised with two siblings. She had one older brother, Walter and one younger sister, Janet. Patricia was constantly involved in activities with her family. Patricia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Patricia enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Patricia was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Patricia was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Woodruff High School in 1958. Patricia enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

      Most folks would say that Patricia was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Patricia was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Patricia best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Patricia kept. During her early years, some of her best friends were Jean and Frank Schlueter and Phyllis Bartoszewski. Later in life, she became very close with Mary Baird and considered Tim Weaver to be part of the family.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Patricia. On September 30, 1962 Patricia married Paul Richard Fletcher at Bethel Lutheran Church of Bartonville, Illinois. She was totally committed to Paul and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Patricia naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Patricia disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Patricia was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Patricia was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Patricia was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Patricia was blessed with four children, one deceased, two daughters, Lisa and Jodi, and two sons, Kevin and Curtis (deceased). They were also blessed with one very special granddaughter who was born on her birthday, Josie Lyn.

      If you gave Patricia a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Patricia was always on task. Without hesitation, Patricia could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was as a Homemaker and she was the best Mom in the world. Later she went into In-Home Sales. She was employed by Limestone Independent News, Avon, Longaberger, Fuller Brush and Watkins. During that time, Patricia excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Patricia was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Patricia had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Patricia liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Patricia's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Patricia preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were working on her computer and taking many pictures over the years and developing them into photo albums. She also was very diligent in studying the Bible through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and Les Feldick Ministries, along with other Christian Leaders. Patricia was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

      Due to her excellent organizational skills, Patricia was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which she belonged. Patricia could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Patricia was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout her later years, Patricia was an active member of the Church, BSF and TGIF.

      Patricia was active in the community. She was practical and grounded and based her decisions on first hand experience. She was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Patricia was a member of several community groups, serving on committees for the Church Mission Trip to Haiti. Patricia wasn't able to go, but wanted to contribute in some way. She decided to make small pocket size laminates so those who were there could pass them out to the Children and Adults. On the front side was a picture of Jesus and the back was written her favorite verse of John 3:16. She transcribed it into French since that is the native language in Haiti. Over the years, she made over 3,000 little laminates and it was a secret between her and God, until it was revealed on the Memorial website. Her oldest daughter knew about it, but kept it a secret. Since it is now known, it is being included in her Biography so it can truly reflect the humble, beautiful person who our Mama was. Politically, Patricia was not involved in either party. She considered all people to be God's children and made it her mission to talk and discuss Jesus to everyone, regardless of their affiliations.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Patricia. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Faith Missionary Church and Christ United Methodist Church. During that time, she served as the Church Historian, taking pictures and documenting the progress of the church during the 2000's.

      Doing things to help others seemed to come naturally to Patricia. She never set out to gain individual recognition, but the praise and accolades given her for her many and varied efforts throughout her life were well deserved. Some of her most prestigious awards included Mrs. Albee statuette awards for the following: Avon's Best of the Best #1 in Sales Increase 1986-1987, Avon's Very Best #4 in Sales Increase 1985-1986, Avon's Best of the Best #1 in Sales Volume 1986-1987, STAR PERFORMER 1988-1989, Avon District Sales Achievement Award #1 in Sales Volume 1988 and #2 in Sales Volume 1987; Avon District Achievement Award #1 in Sales Increase 1988,.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Patricia had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included, when she was younger, a 3 month vacation out West with her family; her Grandfather's ranch in Manderson, WY; Yellowstone National Park; fishing in Canada; Gardnier, MT; Moab and Fisher Towers, UT; all of Colorado - Sand Dunes, Silverton, Durango, Glenwood Springs; Grand Canyon, AZ; Seattle, WA, Multnomah Falls, OR; many trips to Florida to see her parents and take her family; traveling with her daughter while she worked to San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Montpelier, VT, Birmingham, AL, Boston, MA, New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL, Honolulu, HI; Hot Air Balloons in Albuquerque, NM and Indianola, IA; many wonderful fishing vacations to Camp Holiday in Deerwood, MN; multiple cruises with her daughter to the Caribbean; family cruises to Alaska and Hawaii and a wonderful Hawaiian Island vacation in 1994.

      Patricia had adopted her daughter's little black doggie, Susie in the early 80's. Susie stole her heart and was there for her when her children left the nest. She loved her little Susie (Choo-Choo) so much. She loved to ride in the car with the window down and helped her deliver her Avon orders. Her final request was to have little Susie buried with her when she died. Susie was a very special mutt - a cross between a cocker spaniel and a collie, who was her best friend for many years. She had a little dog when she was a girl named Bingo. When she was married, she had a Beagle named Sandy who had a puppy named Duchess. When she had children she had a golden dog named Ginger (Poopie). She also had cats - Tiggee, Sasha and Nicky. Patricia was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

      When Patricia's retirement finally arrived in 2000, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. Her new life involved relocating to Davenport, Iowa to be close to her family. Especially her 815 girl, Josie Lyn. In retirement, she found new pleasure in attending Church and all of Josie's events. She was very good at her computer and taking pictures. Her family was her pride and joy. Even in retirement, Patricia continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Patricia passed away on June 23, 2022 at 4:02 am in Room 107 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House of Genesis in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Mama suffered so much over the years. Enduring various surgeries - gallbladder in the 70's, septoplasty, hysterectomy, a double knee replacement in 99, Open Heart Surgery in 09 to repair her Tricuspid & Mitral Valves, various skin cancer surgeries including MOHS Surgery on her nose & Melanoma on her leg in 20. During the last surgery, she was given an IV bag of the antibiotic Clindamycin, which destroyed all of her good gut flora - 30 days later she was in the ER with uncontrollable diarrhea. She was diagnosed with C Diff. She failed treatment 4 times & went to the ER a total of 3 times - all during CoVid19. She suffered for 8 months before she was finally eligible for a Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT), which was placed in her upper bowel. She recovered from C Diff, but was never quite the same. She still suffered from IBS & was home bound for pretty much the remainder of her life. Mama was just tired & was ready to go home to Jesus. She stopped eating & lost a lot of weight.

She is survived by her husband, Paul; her children, Lisa, Jodi and Kevin; her granddaughter, Josie; and her brother, Walter. Services were held at Runge Mortuary and Davenport Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum. Patricia was laid to rest in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery in the Garden of Memories family plot with a private bench.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Patricia was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Patricia was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Patricia Fletcher was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Patricia. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her so very much.

Official Obituary Notice that was published in the Quad City Times and a briefer notice in the Peoria Journal Star:

Patricia Ann Fletcher, 81, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly, Bartonville, Illinois peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Patricia was born in Peoria, Illinois on August 15, 1940. She married Paul Fletcher on September 30, 1962 in Bartonville, Illinois and they went onto share 59 years together.

She worked as an Avon Representative, winning 11 Mrs. Albee awards between 1985-1990. She enjoyed spending time with all of her customers and loved to take her little black dog Susie along for deliveries. She also worked selling Longaberger Baskets, Watkins and Fuller Brush products.

Patricia enjoyed traveling with her family and we have many wonderful memories. She loved spending time with her family and had a very special bond with her “girls”. Her only granddaughter was born on her birthday and was the greatest birthday gift she ever received.

She had a very strong faith in her Lord and Savior and shared the Gospel with those she met. While living in Davenport, Iowa, she was active with her Church as their Historian, taking many pictures and documenting the growth of the Church in the early 2000’s. She attended and graduated from BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and met many other Christian sisters. Patricia was very dedicated with her time, talent and treasure for her Lord.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, daughters and son, Paul Fletcher, Lisa Fletcher, Jodi (Mike) Tipsword and Kevin Fletcher; granddaughter, Josie Tipsword, all of Davenport, Iowa; and brother Walter of Wyoming, IL. She was preceded in death by her son, Curtis; her parents; and sister, Janet.

The Lord couldn’t have blessed us with a better Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She will be deeply missed and we look forward to the day we will be with her again in Heaven.

Per her wishes, there will be a private family service. If you wish to leave a condolence please visit rungemortuary.com. A special thank you to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for the special care they gave to her and her family while she was there.

If you knew our Memaw, you already know what a beautiful, compassionate, selfless, loving woman she was who loved her Lord. She had a great sense of humor and we had many happy times together. If you did not know her, you would have loved her and wished she was your Mom.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please give to a charity of your choice in honor of our Mother. She lovingly gave to local and national organizations like River Bend Food Bank, Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse. She would have also loved seeing The Chosen, which is a crowd-funded media project her daughters started watching after she passed away. She would have supported this organization and given to this cause.

* * * * * * * * * *

Patricia Ann Fletcher, 81, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly, Bartonville, Illinois peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Patricia was born in Peoria, Illinois on August 15, 1940. She married Paul Fletcher on September 30, 1962 in Bartonville, Illinois and they went onto share 59 years together.

She worked as an Avon Representative, winning 11 Mrs. Albee awards between 1985-1990. She enjoyed spending time with all of her customers and loved to take her little black dog Susie along for deliveries. She also worked selling Longaberger Baskets, Watkins and Fuller Brush products.

Patricia enjoyed traveling with her family and we have many wonderful memories. She loved spending time with her family and had a very special bond with her “girls”. Her only granddaughter was born on her birthday and was the greatest birthday gift she ever received.

She had a very strong faith in her Lord and Savior and shared the Gospel with those she met. While living in Davenport, Iowa, she was active with her Church as their Historian, taking many pictures and documenting the growth of the Church in the early 2000’s. She attended and graduated from BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and met many other Christian sisters. Patricia was very dedicated with her time, talent and treasure for her Lord.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, daughters and son, Paul Fletcher, Lisa Fletcher, Jodi (Mike) Tipsword and Kevin Fletcher; granddaughter, Josie Tipsword, all of Davenport, Iowa; and brother Walter of Wyoming, IL

She was preceded in death by her son, Curtis; her parents; and sister, Janet.

The Lord couldn’t have blessed us with a better Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She will be deeply missed and we look forward to the day we will be with her again in Heaven.

Per her wishes, there will be a private family service. If you wish to leave a condolence please visit rungemortuary.com.

A special thank you to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for the special care they gave to her and her family while she was there.

If you knew our Memaw, you already know what a beautiful, compassionate, selfless, loving woman she was who loved her Lord. She had a great sense of humor and we had many happy times together. If you did not know her, you would have loved her and wished she was your Mom.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please give to a charity of your choice in honor of our Mother. She lovingly gave to local and national organizations like River Bend Food Bank, Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse.