Patricia Ann Stocking

Mom left strict instructions about her obituary. She requested that we not use the term ‘passed away.’ She was adamant that we not be presumptuous and assume that she has ‘met her Maker.’ We were also instructed not to be maudlin, so we’ll say simply this: Patricia Dyer Stocking died on January 25, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born in Minnesota in 1929, and married George while attending Iowa State University. Together they built a life founded on faith, surrounded by family, and forged a marriage that endured for sixty-seven years.

Patricia was a talented artist, a relentless homemaker, and a video poker enthusiast who managed to finagle opening her Christmas presents early every year. She was a skilled seamstress and knitter, an enthusiastic gardener, and a voracious reader who encouraged her children to bring books to the dinner table whenever she was reading a book she didn’t want to put down.

Patricia is preceded in death by her loving husband George; her parents, Winthrop and Bessie; her siblings Jane, Laddie, Mary, and Edith; and her beloved son, Patrick. 

She is survived by her children, Barbara; George and his wife Mary; Mary and her husband Martin Haub; Elizabeth and her husband Craig Evans; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  

A Mass celebrating Patricia’s life will be held Friday, February 8^th, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ. Reception will follow.

Patricia’s life was rooted strongly in her faith and compassion for those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Little Sisters of the Poor or St. Vincent de Paul Society, organizations she and George supported for many years. It would not be inappropriate to celebrate her memory with a pan of popcorn and a good book.