PATRICIA (CROOKS) DEAFENBAUGH

Dec. 6, 1923 - Aug. 31, 2012 SOUTH BEND - Patricia "Pat" M. Deafenbaugh, 88, died Friday, August 31, 2012. Pat was born December 6, 1923, to the union of Cleo and Lynn Crooks. Also to that union were born her beloved sister, Evelyn Johnston, and brother, Robert Crooks, all of whom preceded her in death.

Pat graduated from Central High School of South Bend and went on to the Epworth School of Nursing, receiving her RN in 1945.

On July 19, 1952, Pat married Jack D. Deafenbaugh. Pat and Jack were married 48 years until his death on September 29, 2000. Pat is survived by her daughters, Pamela (Michael) Rausch of Winamac, Indiana, and Rebecca (Gregory) Vanderheyden of South Bend, Indiana. She has four grandchildren, Austin (Samantha Crafton) Vanderheyden of Las Vegas, Nevada, Amanda (Rex Gard) Vanderheyden of South Bend, Indiana, Zachary Rausch of Winamac and Noah Rausch of West Lafayette, Indiana. She also has one great-granddaughter, Isabella Jordan of South Bend, Indiana. Pat has two special nephews, James (Kathy) Semprini of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Patrick (Cheryl) Semprini of Lakeland, Florida.

Her niece, Judy (Butch) Baker, preceded her in death in July 2011.

Pat was a loving and caring person both personally and professionally. Those whom she took care of remembered her kindness and gentle way. Pat always enjoyed keeping in contact with lifelong friends and family. Pat's dog Ginger was a great companion to her for 14 years. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Pat's family would like to thank everyone at the Sanctuary of Holy Cross and Hospice Care for helping her these past seven months. Pat was very much loved by her family and will be missed immensely. We love you Mom (MiMi).

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2012, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, with burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Indiana.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Sep. 2, 2012.

01/14/2023 EJS