Patricia Lou Burns

Patricia Lou Burns, 92, passed away on July 12, 2025. Born on February 24, 1933, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to parents Leroy Otto Smith Sr. and Loretta (Long) Smith, Patricia was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to the love of her life, Robert Burns Sr., whom she spent many cherished years with until his passing in 1983. Patricia was a stay-at-home mom until 1984. Afterwards, she worked for Signature Inn until 1987, starting as a housekeeper before being promoted to a hostess. Patricia was a faithful woman as a Nazarene. She adored listening to country music. In her long life, Patricia was only ever admitted to the hospital six times and that was to give birth to children. She maintained a healthy lifestyle and was never sick up until the very end. Surviving are her children, Robert (Leona) Burns Jr, Linda East, Debra (Joe) Bayse, and Marilyn (Johannes) Perdaems; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Russell Smith and Ann Tinnen. Preceding in death are her parents, Leroy Otto Smith Sr. and Loretta (Long) Smith; husband, Robert Burns Sr.; children, Donna Flesher and David Burns; grandchildren, Chad Noble and Kimberly Downey; son-in-law, Sidney East; and siblings, Marge Hoffman, Elizabeth “Betsy” Canzoneri, Leroy Smith Jr., Ralph Smith and William Smith. A celebration of life for Patricia will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 11AM-1PM at Tillman Church 3710 East Tillman Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46816. She will forever be missed. “Was blind, but now I see.” – Amazing Grace.