Patricia Bridges
Elsah |
Patricia Marie Bridges, 76, passed away peacefully at 9:26 a.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at her home.
She was born in Alton, Illinois on December 8, 1947, one of three daughters born to the late Louis Edward and Della Marie (Ward) Betz.
The early years of her childhood were spent in Walkerville, Illinois, prior to the family relocating to Alton, Illinois, where she graduated with the Class of 1965 from Alton High School.
She married Gary M. Bridges on November 4, 1967 in Alton, and together they were the proud parents of two children. Gary and Patricia raised their family in Jersey County, sharing in many wonderful memories together and creating countless memories with one another and their families throughout their 41 years of marriage. Gary preceded her in death on December 9, 2008.
She was employed with Famous Barr for many years; however, she was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children. The love she had for her children was endless and the title of “Mom” was one she wore proudly. She played an active role in their lives, both throughout their childhood and into their adult lives as well, and boasted on their accomplishments any chance that she could.
When her grandchildren came along, her life was further enriched, and her world revolved around them. She enjoyed nothing more than nurturing them and watching them grow. Through every life event, both big and small, she remained their biggest cheerleader and consistent source of love and joy in their lives.
She also held a very special bond with her sisters, a bond that stood the test of time and they remained loyal and true to one another throughout their lives.
As evidenced by the live shed lived, Family was the most important thing in Patricia’s life. She also enjoyed watching old movies and the Hallmark Channel, tending to her flower garden and was always very health conscious and enjoyed fitness and exercising, a passion that was also shared by her sister, Betty.
Surviving are a daughter and son in-law, Tracie and Rory Shires of Elsah; a son and daughter in-law, Jeffrey and Michelle Bridges of Kampsville; five grandchildren, Kallie (Garrett) Flowers, Katie Shires, Joshua Bridges, Audrey Bridges and Alaina Bridges; a great grandson, Archie Flowers; as well as two sisters and brothers in-law, Karen and Dennis Gratzl of Saint Clair, Missouri and Betty and Joe Cook of East Alton.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her father in-law and mother in-law, William and Clara Bridges; a brother in-law, Chuck St. Clair and a niece, Heather St. Clair.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday.
Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family ask that you honor Patricia by simply doing what she did best – love one another.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
