Patricia Louise Westerdale

Patricia Louise Westerdale, 86, Altona died Tuesday morning, April 21, at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital, Peoria, Illinois.

Patricia was born August 11, 1928 in Orlando, Florida, the daughter of Joseph C. and Nina Faris Payne.  Patricia met her husband, Charles Westerdale, while attending the University of Illinois.  They were married August 21, 1948 in Danville, Illinois. 

Patricia is survived by her two sons, C. Richard (Cindy) of Haslet, Texas, and C. Joseph of Centennial, Colorado; two daughters, Sara (Patrick) Nelson of Altona, Illinois and Alice (Tim) Eller of Fort Collins, Colorado; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by three sisters, Rachel (John) Jakes of Jacksonville, Florida, Jenny (Luther) Erickson of Grinnell, Iowa, and Mary (Robert) Krisko of Charlotte, North Carolina.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joseph C.  and William Payne.

Patricia farmed with her husband Charles in Walnut Grove for many years.  Upon retirement from farming, she returned to finish her college degree at Western Illinois University.  She then worked at May Company and LaSalle Electronics as a bookkeeper.

Patricia volunteered at the Altona Grade School where she loved teaching computers skills to the children and staff.  She also was webmaster for the SeniorNet website.  She continued to volunteer until recently at the Galesburg Public Library.

Patricia has donated her body to science to the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.  A memorial service is being planned for 4:00 P.M., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altona, Illinois, with Rev. Tim Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers may be made in Patricia’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. On-line condolences and sympathy cards may be sent through www.hurdhendricksfuneralhome.com