Betty Jean Patek

JOLIET— Betty Jean Patek (nee Gillham), 86, passed away at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018.
Betty was born Jan. 8, 1932 in Union Mills, IN.  She was a long time Joliet resident.  Betty loved music and listening to her children's many concerts, flower gardening and baking, especially around the holiday's, making homemade rolls and delicious specialty cookies.  
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Betty is survived by her loving children: Linda (John) Smarker of Springfield, MO., Carol (Tony) Merkel of Wilmington and David L. Patek (Carrie Becker) of Palatine;  Her cherished grandchildren: Jennifer (Adam) Kapchinske of Heyworth and Anthony (Natalie) Merkel of Wilmington;  Nine great grandchildren: Chayse and Cole Donovan, Madilyn and McKynlee Kapchinske, Samantha, Henry, Josiah, Charlotte and Caleb Merkel;  Her sister Patricia Harder (Raymond, deceased) of LaPorte, IN;  Numerous nieces and nephews; Her exercise buddies at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center Cardio Rehab Gym and her lunch lady friends.
 She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Irene (nee Hense) Gillham and her husband of 57 years David A. Patek (2011).
Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Joliet. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m.  
Betty Jean will Lie in State at the First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave. in La Porte, IN., Monday, Sept. 10 at 11  a.m.,  until time of services at 11:30 a.m.  
Interment will take place at Union Mills Cemetery in Union Mills, IN.  
Memorials named to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center Cardio Rehab Gym or American Stroke Association will be appreciated.  
For information contact the Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home at 815-744-0022 or visit their website at www.CHSFUNERAL.com.
Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction of Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet, 60435.