Pat Babbs, 78

Patricia A. Babbs, age 78, of Sarasota, Fla., and formerly of Colon, passed away Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at Tarpon Point Nursing Home in Sarasota.

Pat was born Nov. 8, 1934, in Yost Station, Ohio, a daughter of the late Clancy and Estella Maruerite (Shrider) Hursey.

On Jan. 29, 1960, she married Arthur G. Babbs in Glenford, Ohio, and they resided together in Colon from 1961 until his death in 1987. She was a homemaker her entire life and her friends and family were the joys of her life. She loved her friends and family unconditionally and everyone she met seemed to be attracted to her bright, upbeat personality. Grandma Babbs especially had bonds with her two grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with family, visiting friends and worrying about the weather. Pat had a very giving soul, a genuine concern for others and infectious laughter. She has supplied many lasting memories to everyone who knew her.

She is survived by three sons, Roger (Sandra) Babbs of Salisbury, N.C., Thomas Babbs and life partner, Brian Gounker, of Sarasota and Dennis (Pam) Babbs of Colon; a stepdaughter, Sharon (Denver) Hill of Pataskala, Ohio; two grandchildren, Kelly (David) Marion of Mount Airy, N.C., and Brian Babbs and friend, Keeley Boals, of Colon; two sisters, Emma Lou Rinkler of Fort McCoy, Fla., and Wilma (Joe) Garcia of Long Beach, Calif.; four brothers, Michael Hursey of Indiana, David (Joan) Hursey of Northville, Stanley Hursey of Houston and John Hursey of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her step-mother Ceola Moore; and several aunts and uncles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Patricia A. Babbs will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at the funeral home, with Mr. David J. Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon.

If desired, the family suggests memorials be made in memory of Pat to the Colon food pantry. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.