Patricia J. “Pat” Detwiler, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at Cedar Creek Assisted Living Facility in Bloomington, at the age of 92.
She was born Aug. 4, 1931, in Elkhart, to Donald V. and Mary Ruth Sweeney Lemmon. Pat graduated from Elkhart High School in 1949.
Pat married Ora Frederick “Fred” Detwiler on Oct. 23, 1951, in Elkhart. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage together before Fred passed away Aug. 1, 2023.
Surviving are their children: Kenneth L. (Cindy) Detwiler, of Bloomington; Lawrence E. (Lynn) Detwiler, of Hartsville; and Sharon K. (Ross) Sanders, of Greentown. Grandchildren are Thomas Detwiler (deceased), Joshua (Siobhan) Detwiler, April (Rett) Strasler, Eric Detwiler (deceased), Sarah Detwiler, Amy (Adam) Hutchison, Samuel Detwiler, Valerie (Max) Walter and Katrina (Jenson) Martinelli. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren: Zoe Detwiler, Ava Strasler, Charles Hutchison, Clementine Strasler, Alex Hutchison, Molly Hutchison, James Strasler, William Hutchison, Maverick Strasler, Sawyer Hutchison, Adeline Hutchison and Valentine Strasler.
Fred was discharged from the Marines in 1953 and shortly thereafter, he and Pat moved to Warsaw. In 1966, they started their own business, Custom Carpet, where he was a carpet layer for 52 years, and she was the office manager. In addition, she was a wonderful homemaker and mother, raising three children. Pat was an excellent cook and seamstress, and at around age 50, took up painting, at which she excelled. She regularly entered her paintings, as well as sewing projects, in the county fair, receiving many awards. She liked to play the piano and organ, and enjoyed bird watching and going on vacation, especially to Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Branson, Mo.
Pat’s faith was very important to her. She and Fred taught children’s Sunday school at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church and Mentone UMC for over 40 years. During that time, their classes raised money to buy wheelchairs for needy children, and she led fundraising efforts to purchase blankets for those in need. She and Fred participated in 75 lay witness missions in United Methodist churches across the Midwest. In addition, she served as an officer of Church Women United and church circle clubs, and was involved with numerous Bible study small groups. Pat and Fred volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years.
Friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Pat’s life will be celebrated with a service immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. officiated by her sons, Ken and Larry Detwiler; and daughter, Sharon Sanders. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Fred.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.