Patricia Barrett

Patricia E. Barrett passed away quietly in her sleep, Thursday morning, August 25, 2011 at her home. Born December 24, 1937 in Lorain, she was the daughter of the late George and Margaret (Heffner) Yingling. Pat and her family moved to Mansfield shortly after her birth and she graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1955. She worked in several local department stores throughout her high school career and worked part-time at Lumberman’s Mutual Insurance Company her senior year and full-time after graduation. She worked her way through the ranks and became the secretary to a family friend, Alex Curchin, the V.P. of Finance at Lumberman’s. On November 4, 1967, she married Jack Barrett and the couple moved to Lucas and they have made Lucas their home for more than 44 years. Jack referred to Pat as “Trish” and told anyone willing to listen she was his sweetheart. In their 44 years of marriage it is said that they never had an argument. Pat’s family was most important to her and she was a loving, kind and gentle woman who made many friends wherever she happened to be. After her children were in school, Pat began working for Lucas Schools and remained there for over 30 years, many of them as the Secretary to the Superintendent. Pat’s love of the school was deep and sincere and all of the friendships she made remain. She was especially fond of the staff in the elementary school admiring the excellent job they did in preparing the students for junior high and high school. Pat’s whole life was centered on the love of her God. Her faith was unshakable. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church until its closing where she continued to celebrate the love of her God by attending Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Lucas. Pat set a fine example of grace and dignity to everyone she met.

In addition to her loving husband, Jack, she is survived by two sons, Jeffrey (Robin) Barrett of Mansfield and Jonathan (Vanessa) Barrett of Lucas; five grandchildren who meant the world to her, Cole, Emily, Nathan, Grant and Hope; a brother, Rev. David Yingling of Enon, OH; several sisters and brothers-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and her canine companion, Gracie.

Friends may visit from 4-8 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2011 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A funeral service honoring Pat’s life will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 4065 Mount Zion Road, Lucas. Pastor Timothy Storms will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucas Schools Sustaining Fund, Lucas Athletic Boosters or the Lucas FFA Alumni Association.