Patricia Ruth “Pat” Williams, 78, of Springfield, went to be with Jesus on Monday, April 30, 2018 after persevering with grace and loving selflessness through a long illness.
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was born May 19, 1939, a daughter of the late Kent E. and Dorotha (Griffith) Atha in Bellefontaine. She joyfully created a warm and loving home in which she raised two children while also serving cheerfully and competently in a variety of business and medical settings as an administrative assistant and secretary. Many businesspersons, physicians, social workers and counselors are indebted to her efficient and thoughtful assistance that helped them to help many others. Her home and office settings were characterized by the provision of mature wisdom gently offered through Godly counsel, encouragement and committed friendship to customers, patients, co-workers and bosses, who all treasured her sense of humor, easy laugh and loving listening.
Pat was a member of the First Christian Church of Urbana where she served as a faithful prayer warrior, counselor and friend. She served many a shut-in before she herself became too ill to travel. She was an amazing mother and grandmother who passionately, loved, prayed for and encouraged her family to live lives worthy of their God-given gifts and calling. While we ache because of her physical absence, we smile and find joy and comfort in knowing that she is now with God in a place where there is no more suffering and no more tears.
Pat is survived by her son, Jeff (Jill) Williams; her daughter, Julie (Dan) Hyland; her grandchildren, Joshua (Brooke), Carly (Eric), Laura Beth, Tim (Abbie), Justen (Esther) and Shelby (Joel); her great-grandchildren, GabbyAnne, Skylar, Joy and Jude; her sister, Nancy (Dale) Halterman; niece, Brenda (Tom) Shaw; and nephew, Rick (Elena) Halterman.
A Celebration of Pat’s life and legacy will be held at noon Saturday, May 5, in the First Christian Church, 119 Orange St., Urbana, with Pastor Mike Stewart officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian radio station WEEC, Pat’s favorite source for music that was good for her soul.
Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana, handled arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.