Patricia Darlene Dean

Patricia was born on December 30, 1938 in Rock Island, IL to Edward and Margaret Clark.

Patricia would say the greatest gift she gave the world are her children: Betty, Ross, Roxie, Randy, Brent, Laura, and Tammy and her greatest accomplishment was keeping them together. She loved nothing more than seeing her family gathered for the holidays. She never failed to show up with a container of her homemade mac and cheese. Comfort food was her specialty. Her children would say, “Mom’s ability to fry chicken to such perfection, then top it off with the best homemade gravy was unbeatable. And when she would serve pancakes, with the edges slightly crispy, for dinner on a rainy day it always made us smile.”

Patricia treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She passed down her love of collecting to many of them. She wouldn’t buy them typical gifts, like sweaters or teddy bears. She preferred to start their gun, knife, and coin collections. This often led to scenarios in which a two year old would receive a set of throwing stars on their birthday. She believed that you were never too young to learn the fine art of gambling. Texas Hold’Em and Blackjack were her favorite. No matter how good you thought you were at poker, she was always better. She often used her card games to teach about the world. She would say, “This goes for cards and life. Watch and listen. You can learn a lot about people, if you watch and listen.”

Patricia also leaves behind her sister, Joanne, and her two best friends, Peggy and Betty. She adored Joanne, and although they didn’t get to see each other often, she always kept her sister close. As for Peggy and Betty, she was quite surprised they never ended up in jail together after one of their adventures. She never did reveal to her children what “The Friendly Rock” is.

Patricia’s time on Earth was not an easy one. She suffered the loss of so many loved ones; gone before their time. Now, as she ascends into heaven, she is at peace in the loving embrace of those she has missed so much.

Celebration of life will be held on October 24, 2020 5:00 PM at the home of Roxie and Arnie Behr.