Patricia Ann Little Cruz

Patricia Ann Little Cruz entered heaven’s gates Friday, November 1, 2024. Born January 21, 1928, to the late Julian and Fern Rasch, Patricia lived a full life of 96 years. She was a hard-working farmer’s wife, raising eight children while canning, cooking, baking and helping her husband, Raymond, tend the farm and animals on 216 acres of land. She enjoyed swimming, sewing, quilting, traveling, clogging (in her 70’s) and “gym” workouts (in her 90’s). Patricia never knew a stranger. Wherever she was, she came to know the names and lives of those with whom she interacted. Blessed with many talents and gifts, she was a generous giver of those precious gifts to family, friends and those in need—such as handmade gifts, baked goods (known as “cookie lady”), time and love. Handmade gifts included dolls, teddy bears, Christmas ornaments and framed gifts which will forever be cherished by every child and grandchild. The greatest of her gift-giving loves was quilting. Her handmade, hand-pieced quilts are priceless, thoughtfully designed and given to each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her church to raffle for yearly rummage sales. Patricia was a wonderful friend, reaching out to those she loved even while going through her own trials. She never tired of calling her friends to see how they were doing. Without any prior computer experience, she learned to use an iPad in her 80’s and iPhone this past year, through which she would text, Facetime, send photos and watch her favorite shows. This became her daily connection with family, friends and the world once her vision prevented her from quilting. Patricia is survived by her eight children: Michael Little (Lorna), Sandra Marchel (Brad), Alan Little, Patricia Shake (Randy), Thomas Little (Ginny), Robert Little (Sherri), John Little (Cynthia) and Daniel Little, 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Raymond Little; her parents, Julian and Fern Rasch; her sister, Julienne Rasch and her brother, Robert Rasch. Patricia was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, the Quilting Guild; and Faith Sharing at her church. She was a gift to all who knew her; dedicated, faithful and committed to those she loved; and will be greatly missed. We thank God for having her in our lives and for her beautiful legacy. Visitation for Patricia will be held on November 7th from 4:00-8:00 pm at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle; and a Funeral Mass said on her behalf on November 8th at 10:30 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Greencastle.