She was born on January 31, 1942, in Springfield, IL, to Charles A. and Helen (Skoda) DeCroix. On May 26, 1962, she married Gale B. "Jim" Cox, Jr., in Springfield, and they shared 58 years of marriage before Jim preceded her in death.
Patricia was an administrative assistant for Don Moss & Associates in Springfield; a wholesale marketing rep. for Clark Oil & Refining Corp. in St. Louis, MO; a sales & customer service rep. for Illico Oil Co. in Lincoln, IL; and a sales rep. for Lincoln Land Oil Co. in Springfield. She was also a member of TOPS. She retired in 2005.
Her greatest joys in life were her family and friends, especially the grandchildren.
Patricia was also preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Charles J. DeCroix.
She is survived by her three sons, David (Joyce), Steve (Pam), and Michael (Heather); six grandchildren, Samantha, Taylor, Robert, Danielle, Emilee, and Nicole, all of St. Louis, MO; sister, Carol (Gene) Burnett of Columbia, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL. Prayers will be said at 4:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2000 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2000 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62702.
