Patricia A. (Ross) Yeager’s gentle, loving soul left this world unexpectedly on May 11, 2022, after returning home from a brief hospital stay. She was the best example of what a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister and friend could be. She was 93 years wise and lived a life well-loved.
Patricia was born Feb. 24, 1929, at home in Crawfordsville, to the late Theron E. and Clara (Sweeney) Ross. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1947, and at age 18 attended Indiana State Teachers College to pursue a teaching degree. However, after two terms and with no money left for school, she returned home where her true calling awaited. She was offered the first nursing scholarship from the local Legion 40&8 Club, which she accepted and called it a blessing. At 19, Patricia began training at St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Terre Haute, where she graduated from in 1951. While at St. Anthony’s, she met her husband-to-be Harold “Gene” Yeager and within six months of meeting they were engaged and later married. Gene preceded Patricia in death Jan. 6, 1970.
Also preceding her in death were her five siblings, J. Edwin Ross, J. Robert Ross, William Kenneth Ross, Theresa Edmiston and Sister Zita Ross; and her son, Samuel “Sam” Yeager.
Her first nursing job was at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville as a staff RN. Later, she returned to Crawfordsville, working at Culver Union Hospital where she started out as a staff RN working in all departments as a relief supervisor. In 1970, she attended training in Indianapolis and was involved in starting the Intensive and Coronary Care Unit at Culver and also worked in the emergency room. After 25 years at Culver, she went to work as an RN at Greenacres for Dr. Kirtley and Dr. Howland for two years.
Patricia then went to work for RR Donnelly’s as an occupational RN where she cared for RR Donnelly’s employees for 17 years. She retired as the last RR Donnelly’s nurse at age 63; however, after retiring she was hired by them through the hospital on contract and worked another 10 years part-time. She loved her nursing career and made many long-lasting friendships.
Devout in her faith, Patricia attended St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Crawfordsville from birth. She learned at an early age that God, family, friends and sharing were very important parts of life, and she embodied that lesson throughout her time here. No matter what hardships she may have faced, she was always lending a hand to those in need, praying for loved ones as well as strangers and holding her family and friends near to her heart. The beads on her rosary felt her touch for so many through the years.
She was of course very involved in the church, volunteering in all areas, such as school activities when her children were students and later helping with other events such as the annual bazaar and funeral dinners.
In her day, before the hip surgeries and arthritis made it difficult, she enjoyed gardening, going to events, playing bridge with her friends, visiting casinos and more. She was an avid reader who loved watching and identifying the birds, flowers, the color yellow, chai tea, soft blankets, warm weather and her people.
The “St. Bernard’s Clique” are among her dearest and most treasured friends whom she loved like family and were always there for her. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was extremely proud to be their No. 1 fan. She was brave and strong and compassionate. They don’t make hearts like hers anymore, and if you were lucky enough to be loved by her, you knew it and will forever be better for it.
Patricia is survived and missed dearly by son Stephen “Steve” (Diana) Yeager of Crawfordsville; daughter Sandra (Daryl) Warren of Crawfordsville; daughter-in-law Cheryl Yeager of Zionsville; her grandchildren, Michelle (Barry) Warren Lobody, Crystal (David) Boothby, Melinda Warren, Nicole (Matt) Simpson, Scott (Erin) Yeager, Adam (Danielle) Yeager and Noah Warren; her great-grandchildren, Maggie and Cole Yeager, Annie Boothby, Avery and Cooper Houston-Warren, Parker Simpson and a great-grandbaby on the way; many nieces and nephews; and a special Boxer named Rogue.
As the earth weeps, the heavens rejoice for she is home now — pain free and at peace, celebrating her arrival with those who were called home before her. She will forever be loved and never forgotten.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 16 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Rosary rites will begin at 2:30 p.m. followed by a funeral mass conducted by Patricia’s dear friend, Father David Hellmann at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Montgomery County Free Clinic, 816 Mill St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
Burkhart Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
