MENDOTA – Patricia L. Rich, 82, of Mendota, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 21 in Streator.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 at Holy Cross Church, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Rev. Jeff Windy will officiate and burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Leonore. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.

Pat was born July 2, 1942, in Mendota, to James A. “Bud” and Mary (Parker) Boyle. She graduated Mendota High School in 1960. Pat married her first husband, Duane Bangert on March 3, 1962, in Mendota. He passed away in 1967. On Dec. 5, 1971, she married Duane Rich.

She will be forever missed by her daughter, Mary Rich of Gillette, Wyo.; sons, Sam (Yvonne) Rich of Rutland, Tony (Sue) Rich of Ladd, Mike (Mary Lou) Rich of Streator; stepdaughter, Dee (Todd) Johns of Indiana; sister-in-law, Donna Rich of Guntersville, Ala.; 15 grandchildren, Melissa (Dallas) Bahr, Kelley (Jason) Millar, Tricia Rich, Alayna (Tony) Lawson, Chrissy (Kevin ) Myer, Josh (Heather) Ragusa, Kristen (Elissa) McGlaughlin-Ragusa, Sabrina (Jared) Mearida, Stephanie (Eric) Suryk, Ashley Holcomb, Michelle Fenwick, Anthony Rich Jr., Nick Rich, Megan (Caleb) Aschelman, Jessica Rich; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Duane Bangert, and brother “Red” Boyle.

Pat was a hairdresser and cosmetology teacher for 48 years. She taught at the Elgin School of Beauty and Dixon School of Cosmetology. Pat worked locally as a hairdresser for the Fashionette, The Salon on Monroe, and in her home. Pat also served with the Mendota Township Assessor’s office for 22 years, serving as Assessor the last 12. Pat was an incredibly kind and caring person. She was always helping someone, a neighbor, co-worker, friend or stray animal. She had a sharp mind, a wicked cackle, and a wonderful sense of humor. Pat enjoyed spending time with her family and never missed a wedding or birthday.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law.

Memorials may be directed to Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS), or Illinois Valley Animal Rescue-IVAR. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.