Patricia Ann Rod

Patricia Anne (Roth) Rod, 77, passed away April 21, 2013 in her home. Her family was by her side as she went to be with the Lord. Visitation Thursday April 25th at Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton from 3pm to 7 pm. Funeral at St Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton at 10 am on Friday April 26, 2013 with burial in Oak Land Cemetery an a luncheon to follow at the Princeton Moose Lodge. Patricia was born June 8, 1935 in Mendota to Harold and Faye (Moody) Roth. She graduated from Mendota High School in 1953. Married Ralph Rod on March 31 1953 at Zion Lutheran Church in La Moille. Patricia will be forever remembered by her loving husband Ralph, her 6 children who adored her. Donna Braida of Princeton, Duane (Linda) Rod of Princeton, Darwin (Alice) Rod of Katy Texas, Dale (Donna) Rod of Marco Island, Florida, Dawn (Craig) Sluis of Princeton and Diane (John) Young of Spring Valley. Grandchildren Amanda Pearson, Dustin Wolford, Jodi Fundell, Eric Rod, Dana Maynard, Chad and Todd Junis, Ryan, Sean, Sarah and Sabrina Rod, Doug and Mary Colpaert, Joseph (deceased) , Dan, Kim, Tori, and Jordan Sluis, Ashley Nevins and Austyn Maloy. Great grandchildren Magnus, Caden, Novalyne, Lisa, Tristin, Laynie, Josiah, Emily, Eli, Blake, Makenzie, Gage, Sophia, Kelsey, Corbin, Mia, Braelyn, Addyson and Amy. Pat touched the lives of many people with her infectious smile, laugh and unconditional love for her family and countless friends. She was known for her outstanding reputation within the community as a dedicated volunteer. For 60 years she was a member of the HCE (Home & Community Education Assoc.) where she was president for the Bureau County HCE for the last 15 years. She represented the HCE at the Homestead Festival by doing the window displays for many years, winning numerous awards. She helped run the 4-H Food stand during the 4-H and Bureau County Fairs. 4-H was a big part of her life where she was a member for 5 years then becoming a 4-H leader for the Merry Maidens and an extension volunteer for 40+ years in Bureau County. She served as 4-H Fair superintendent of the Fashion Board, Unit Council member and much more. She was also a member of the ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) which enabled her to travel many parts of the world. She was a member of the Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary since 1963 where she severed as President for two terms and helped establish fund raisers such as PMH Antique Show, Candy Cane and many other fund raising activities. She was the maker of many, many Christmas stockings that each December new-born went home in. While raising 6 children Pat also volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Mother for pack 152. She was on the Lincoln School PTA where she and her family ran the Spook House at the schools Fun Fair. A past Circle Member at St Matthews Lutheran Church where she also was in charge of the crafts for many years during their Vacation Bible School. She was a member of Princeton Newcomers since the 1960’s. Pat loved playing Bridge with the couples and ladies groups. She held the annual Bridge Christmas parties for many years up thru 2012. She was a host family for a German Foreign exchange student in 1984 -1985. Pat and Ralph were Grand Marshals for the 1995 Homestead Festival Parade. She was an exhibitor for years in the Bureau County Fair’s flower division and winning many “Best of Show” awards. Pat was known for her multiple Christmas decorations and large Christmas trees that are displayed with many homemade ornaments along with numerous collections. Some other awards she received were the Robert L. Sorensen Summit Award honouree in 1995, the HC McCutchan Agricultural Service Award, first recipient of the Citizens First National Bank Volunteer of the Year Award in 2002, the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service Award in 2000, and most importantly she was an inductee for the “Class of 2008” Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, which was presented to her at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents (Harold and Faye Roth), two brothers (Tom and Don Roth), a son-in-law (Jay Braida) and a grandchild (Joseph). Memorials may be directed to Perry Memorial Hospital Foundation, Bureau County 4-H and Extension, and St Matthews Lutheran Church. Pat had a generous heart that filled her home with family, friends, love, fun and homemade FOOD. She instilled in her family to live life to the fullest. This beautiful woman, in and out, will be missed by everyone who knew her. Her gift of selflessness will always be remembered.

Patricia Ann Rod

June 8, 1935 - April 21, 2013