Patty Jean Doyle Smith (lovingly known as Nan by her grandchildren) passed away Friday, August 9, 2024, at Independent Village (formerly known as Willow Park) in Evansville.
Pat was born in Grandview, the eldest of four children. She attended Chrisney High School where she was a cheerleader. She graduated from Rockport High School, serving as the bass drum player in the marching band. Her talents in music led her to master the organ later in life.
Pat was a talented seamstress who created designer clothing for her two daughters. She took up crafts such as crocheting and quilting. All of her grandchildren benefited from her hobby as she made each one a beautiful Christmas stocking as well as pillow covers and blankets.
After marrying Bernard Smith, Pat moved to Evansville and worked for Evansville Business Machines. Pat relaunched her career after working as a stay -at- home mom for ten years when she joined Atlas Van Lines. She retired from Atlas as a specialist in rates and tariffs.
Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She doted on her nieces, nephews and cousins fulfilling her role as family matriarch.
Pat was a charter member of American Baptist East where she served as organist for a number of years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard C. Smith; sisters, Carol Minor and Cora Mae Palmer; and son-in-law, Bryan Hartke.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Burgdorf (Ben) and Donna Hartke; brother, Jay Doyle; grandchildren, Benjamin Burgdorf (Mindi), Eric Burgdorf (Liz), Nathan Burgdorf (Courtney), and Ruth Hartke (Roberto); and six great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, October 26, at Embrace Church, 6300 Washington Avenue, Evansville. Burial will be private.
Thank you to the staff at Independent Village and especially her loving and patient helpers from Grace Care. A special thank you to her amazingly funny and brilliant hairdresser James at Moxi’s. This past year Compassus Hospice staff took effective, gentle, and loving care of Pat. We are grateful for you.
The family asks for your prayers and that you share any memories of Pat.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Embrace Church, 6300 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN 47715.
Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patty Smith. Condolences may be made to the family at boonefuneralhome.net.
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