Patricia Ann "Patty" Champion

Patricia Ann Champion (“Patty”) passed away surrounded by her loving family at Parkview Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 3, 1942, in Fremont, Indiana to Thelma (Martin) Mitchell and Max Mitchell.

Patty attended Fremont High School and graduated in 1960. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Saint Francis. Patty dedicated over 40 years of her life to teaching at Fremont Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless students and families.

Patty married Jerry Champion on December 29, 1963, and they shared a loving marriage for nearly 60 years before his passing in 2023. Together, they raised two sons, Joseph L. Champion and Gregory N. Champion, and four grandchildren, Brennan J. Champion, Lydia A. Champion, Trenton G. Champion, Jackson A. Champion.

She was a devoted member of the Fremont United Methodist Church, where she volunteered often. Patty gave her time generously to the Literacy Coalition and continued to serve the Fremont Elementary community long after her teaching career ended.

Patty found joy in life’s simple pleasures and shared that joy freely with others. She loved reading—especially historical fiction—and bird watching from her home on Coldwater Lake. Mornings were often spent with a cup of coffee in hand, watching the birds glide by or the bass leap from the water. She never missed a chance to savor a sunset over the lake—a reflection of how deeply she valued life’s little moments. Summers at the lake were filled with laughter, swimming, and games with friends and family—moments she cherished most. Particularly, Fourth of July at Coldwater Lake was one of Patty’s favorite traditions, surrounded by the people she loved.

A dedicated public servant to the education system, Patty poured her heart into teaching and continued to serve others long after retirement. She especially enjoyed her weekly golf scrambles and rarely missed a chance to cheer on her beloved IU Basketball team or the Fremont Eagles. Patty especially enjoyed taking any opportunity to cheer on her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in their activities. Fiercely loyal and full of love, she was a pillar of her family—always present, always encouraging, and always ready with a warm laugh or a word of support. She often reflected fondly on her years living on the golf course in Fremont, surrounded by her close-knit family and extended family. Through the life she lived, the people she taught, and the memories she created, Patty leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Joseph (Joni) and Gregory (Shelli), and her grandchildren, Brennan J. Champion, Lydia A. Champion, Trenton G. Champion, and Jackson A. Champion. Her sister, Kathy Lantz, and her brother, Marty Mitchell, also survive her.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM EST until 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Beams Funeral Home located at 200 Toledo Street, Fremont, Indiana 46737.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Fremont United Methodist Church located at 105 Tolford Street Fremont, Indiana 46737 on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST. Susannah Tulloch will officiate the service.

Burial will follow at the Ray-Covenanter Cemetery in Fremont, Indiana.

Memorial donations in Patty’s memory may be directed to the Steuben County Literacy Coalition 1208 S. Wayne Street Angola, Indiana 46703 or Fremont United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 653, Fremont, Indiana 46737.