Patricia Ann Ballou

September 5, 1933 - August 23, 2020

Patricia was born and raised on her mother Roberta Morris' family farm in Lawrence County, Illinois. Roberta's father, Frank, one of Lawrence County's founders, bred quarter horses for racing. When Patricia was seven, her mother remarried and they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Patricia attended Hanna Grade School, James Smart Junior High and graduated from South Side High School where she excelled as a majorette. After attending West Virginia State College she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict earning the rank of sergeant.

Patricia began her career with General Electric as an Inject Winder. She went on to graduate from the company's manufacturing and engineering program and also attended IPFW. She was promoted and became GE's first Black female foreman. Patricia quickly earned the respect of her male workers and their department was among the company's top rated.

Patricia ended her career at GE as a Customer Service Specialist with customers residing in the southern United States. At fifty-nine with thirty years of service, she retired with General Electric's "Golden Handshake."

She spent the next sixteen years traveling extensively throughout Europe and as far as Australia and New Zealand.

Patricia was an avid collector and needle works craftsman, creating beautiful quilts all done by hand. She made homemade bread for family and friends. She was a Red Cross volunteer and particularly enjoyed working in disaster relief. She also enjoyed being "granny mommy" to her daughters pet dogs and cats.

Patricia is succeeded in life by her daughters Audrey Lynn Berry of Sugar Land, Texas and Cathy Jo and Susan Jenette Ballou both of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Through them her loving memory and legacy shall remain preserved.

Private burial for Patricia will be schedule at Lindenwood Cemetery.