Patricia Beth Tushla, 65, of Dowagiac, was born on April 5, 1947, and raised in Peru, Neb. Patricia was the daughter of Ross andMaryon (Thomas) Adams. She married Dennis Tushla on July 31, 1968. Patricia graduated from Western Michigan University with a master’s degree in library science.

She and her husband traveled extensively once their nest was empty. Patricia was a volunteer for many of the Dowagiac area nonprofit organizations. Some of those organizations include Cass County Council on Aging; serving as chairperson for the Cass County United Way; the Visiting Authors Committee; and Borgess-Lee Memorial Foundation. As a librarian, she was an avid reader and served on the Ladies Library Association.

She devoted many volunteer hours for the Cass District Library; the Dowagiac District Library; the Dowagiac Union High School Library; and he SMC Museum.

Her family includes her husband, Dennis; daughter, Lara, of Chicago; son, David of North Hollywood, Calif.; and sister, Lanette Young, of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her family will gather with friends on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel with her funeral service starting at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Cass County Council on Aging. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Patricia at www.yazel-clark.com.