Ms. Patricia R. Erkman, age 84, of Taylorville died at 4:37 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022, in Taylorville. 

She was born April 2, 1938, in Cairo, Illinois, the daughter of Manoah Ernest and Ollie Hilden (Samuels) Wiley.

Pat retired from the Air Force Civil Service in 1994 after 33 years. She felt fortunate to have traveled the world for her job, visiting 20 countries, 45 states, and living at over 45 different addresses. One of her favorite locations was living in Germany especially when her daughter was able to be with her. After her retirement, she began her second career of 10 years at Southwestern Illinois College, retiring from that position in 2007. She was a member of First Methodist Church in O'Fallon, Illinois. 

To be close to family, she made Taylorville her home for the last six years. This proximity allowed her to enjoy even more delicious family dinners prepared by talented family members and spend lots of time with her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed sharing her home on West Main Cross with family and friends for parades and holidays. She loved spending time with family, reading, sewing, traveling - including trips to Myrtle Beach, and was always ready to go to a casino. 

Surviving are her daughter, Debra L. Wells (husband, Don) of Taylorville; grandchildren, Heather M. Giannino (husband, Anthony) of Trophy Club, Texas and Zachary R. Wells,

(fiancée, Stephanie Dye) of Taylorville; great-grandchildren, Gavin and Addison Giannino and Henry Wells; honorary great-grandchildren, Amie and Cash Dye; and several nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Martha Gidcumb; half-sister, Dorothy Curtis; and half-brothers: Harry, Jack, and James Lawrence.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the Olde Bowl, 300 S. Spresser St, Taylorville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patricia’s memory are suggested to: Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Rd, Taylorville, IL 62568, or the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Patricia, or to offer condolences to her family.