Patricia Louise Dear, age 88, of St. Helen, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Brian’s House in Essexville, MI with her family by her side. She was born on Wednesday January 8, 1935, in Wayne County, MI. to Leonard and Ruth (Currin) Dear. She has been a resident of St. Helen for over 50 years. Patricia was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Patricia had an unconventional sense of humor and was affectionately known to her grandchildren and their friends as Booga or BoBo. She was a member of the American Legion Post #416 and cherished her dog, Tootsie.
Patricia left school early to work at a stamping plant in Warren but later went back to obtain her GED. She was also proud of being able to get her real estate license. Many in the St. Helen area will remember her as a long-time employee at the Cedar Inn Bar. In her free time, Patricia enjoyed fishing and spending quality time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her son Richard (Bonnie) Schank of Roscommon, daughter Jean (Paul) Stevens of Warren, son Brian (Trish Schmidt) Schank of St. Helen, daughter Lisa Winkler of Prudenville, and a loving extended family. Patricia was adored by her grandchildren: Matt Schank of Roscommon, Jaina (Ryan) Mott of Interlochen, Shelby Schank of Grand Rapids, Michael (Katie) Malone of Macomb, Russel (Stephanie) Malone of Oxford, Eric Stevens of St. Clair Shores, Ryan Schank of St. Helen, Kyle Schank of Lansing, Austin (Mikayla) Schank of Newaygo, Clifford (Taylor) Winkler III of North Dakota, Madison (Connor Gordon) Winkler of Plymouth, Allison Winkler of Prudenville, and Wade Winkler of North Dakota. She also leaves behind her five great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Clifford IV, Ivan, Kallen, and Tanner. Patricia also had a special friend, Patty, from the Roscommon County Commission on Aging.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date to honor Patricia’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Roscommon County Commission on Aging, an organization that Patricia greatly appreciated for their support throughout the years.
Patricia Dear will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May her soul rest in peace.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen, MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com
