Patricia Buell

It never mattered where she was or what she was doing, as long as Pat Buell had the family she loved and cared for by her side, she was content in all ways. Always placing the needs of her family and those she cared about before her own, Pat generously gave from her heart through her time and talents. She was a friend to many and in the hearts of all, she will be lovingly remembered.

The decade of the 1940s was defined by World War II. While young men were sent off to war, women entered the work force in droves. Much was being done on the home front in support of war efforts and the labor market changed radically. The Hollywood film industry found multiple ways of giving reprieve to worried minds while Glenn Miller’s debut of In the Mood brought a lighthearted feel to tensions. In 1940, George and Iva (Rose) Taggart of Irving, Michigan had much to celebrate despite the changing climate in America. On March 10, 1940, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Patricia.

Having lived in a rural area of Irving, Patricia’s father worked hard as a local farmer and also worked as a tool and die maker. Her mother, a homemaker, was a Sunday School Director at church. Far removed from the tragedies of war, young Patricia led a typical childhood for the times. She attended a one room schoolhouse and because it was small, she was the only student in her grade and age throughout her early educational years.

Patricia played softball and basketball in school, and was a likable girl all around. She went on to graduate from Thornapple-Kellogg High School in 1958 and furthered her education by attending Indiana Wesleyan University for several years before going on to cosmetology school.

Pat gave her all when she became the proud mother of three wonderful children, Bill, Amy, and Rob. Their love and her commitment to them was by far her greatest joy. Before long, Pat met a gentleman who would take her children as his own. Although she had met Edd Buell years earlier while out bowling with friends, it wasn’t until much later in life when their paths would once again cross in 1983.

After dating for several years, Edd and Pat shared vows of marriage on March 14, 1987 when Pat was in her late forties. With her three children along with Edd’s two sons, Scott and Steve, their families blended well together.

Pat always made a good home for her family. She was a good cook, and nothing could beat the way she made Taggert goulash which was simply the best. In her free time, Pat enjoyed her hand at quilting and crafting. For a brief time when her kids were young, she also became involved with 4-H and coached softball. When it came to music, she preferred the sounds of country.

Until retiring, Pat worked at Upjohn in Kalamazoo for 18 years as a secretary. She remained with them throughout the company’s various transitions until it was purchased by Pfizer Pharmaceutical. However, her favorite place on earth was at home with her family and grandchildren. Although Pat was a wonderful mother, she evolved into an amazing grandma who loved her grandkids more than anything. She was affectionately referred to as “Mimi” and “Grammy” which was so endearing to her. In all ways, Pat placed the needs of others before her own, especially the family she adored. Generous and caring, her kindness and thoughtfulness towards others was an example to all. Pat never met a stranger, and she walked along life’s pathway beside many who called her friend. Dearly missed, Patricia Buell will be fondly remembered by many.

Patricia R. Buell, of Vicksburg passed away at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the age of 73. Pat is survived by her husband of 26 years, Edd; five children: Scott (Kim) Buell, of Augusta; Bill (Jessica) Cox, of Kalamazoo; Amy Miller, of Vicksburg; Steve (Lynne) Buell, of Vicksburg; Rob (Jessica) Moughton, of Vicksburg; sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother: Richard Taggart, of CO; and sister-in-law: Joan Taggart, of Hastings; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her six siblings: Ruth Shellenbarger, Jim Taggart, Gene Taggart, Martin Taggart, Glenn Taggart, and Judy Cummings.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013, 11:00 AM at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave, with Pastor Dave Downs officiating. Burial will be at the Vicksburg Cemetery.

Please visit Pat’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook, leave a memory and share a photo. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.