Patricia T. Craft, 90, of Assumption, passed away at 1:30 a.m. March 6, 2018, in St. John’s Hospital Springfield, IL.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, in Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service time.  Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Assumption.  In lieu of flowers the family request memorials are made to Ronald McDonald House or the donor’s choice of charity.

Patricia was born September 13, 1927 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Wilbur M. & Frances Geraldine (McGavic) Tankersley.

Patricia attended Assumption schools, graduating in 1945.  In the fall of 1945, Patricia entered cadet nurses training at the Macon County Hospital School of Nursing at Decatur Memorial Hospital, taking nurses training classes through the hospital and Millikin University.  She completed her training in 1948, graduating as a Registered Nurse.

Patricia married Robert F. Craft October 30, 1948 at the Good Will Methodist Church in Chicago, IL.  As newlyweds they moved to Indianapolis, IN, where both were employed.

During her nursing career, she was employed as a nurse at hospitals in Indianapolis, IN, Alton, IL, and Taylorville, IL.  In 1963 she left hospital nursing and was employed as a medical consultant for the Illinois Department of Public Aid, at the Christian County Office in Taylorville.  When she was offered the opportunity, she transferred from the county office to the department’s state office in Springfield where she was a section manager for medical claim review, finally retiring in 1990.

After retiring, she and Bob explored the US by RV before choosing Alamo, TX as an escape from the Midwest winters. Pat retired but her hands never did stop; she crocheted hundreds of afghans, most were donated to Ronald McDonald House and local women’s shelter.  Many a child snuggles in a blankie made by Pat.

Pat was completely devoted to her family, they were her focus in life.  She treasured her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought great joy in her life.

Patricia is survived by two sons:  Robert Craft of Athens, AL and James Craft of Sherman, IL; three daughters: Mary Beth Pearson of Aiken, SC, Jeanne (Ross) Malme of Atlanta, GA and Cynthia Mueller of Naples, FL; four grandchildren: Amber and Joshua Pearson, Shannon (Jordan) McBride and Clinton Mueller; and four great-grandchildren.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Craft; son, Gary Craft; sister, Juline Lambert; brother, James Tankersley and great-granddaughter, Mary Kaylynn Pearson.

Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements.  Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com .