May 14, 1927 — March 13, 2015

Patricia B. Shilling, 87, residing in Niles, Michigan passed away at 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2015, at The Hearth at Juday Creek, Granger.

Patricia was born on May 14, 1927 in LaPorte, Indiana to Z. James and Fern (Broshears) Byers, both dedicated teachers, who preceded her in death while residing near Notre Dame. In September, 1962 at First Methodist Church in South Bend, she married John E. Shilling who passed away on Oct. 6, 2003, after a long illness. Pat was also predeceased by her mother-in-law, Ann (Svoboda) Shilling and an adopted infant son, Reff. She and John worked many years together with the family business, Shilling’s Carpets, in addition to Pat operating her home-based Westbank Engraving in Niles for several years.

Pat is survived by daughter, Karen A. (Shane) Hicks, her granddaughter, Ashley and grandson, Noah, all of Mesa, Arizona; her son, Kevin J. Shilling and his step-children; niece, Marcia Haslett and nephew, Dave Haslett, both of South Bend; as well as cousins. Her loving companion in recent years has been Mitchell Streicker of Granger. They shared a passion for ballroom dancing at Dan O’Day’s Studios in Mishawaka and participated in several competitions.

Pat is a 1946 graduate of Nappanee High School. She was an accomplished seamstress as well as a musician specializing in the marimba and other percussion instruments during her years at Ball State Teachers College, Muncie. To fulfill her love of drawing, design and working with children, she earned a teaching degree, tutored reading from her home and taught art and music in the South Bend schools. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Niles.

No services will be held at this time. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Palmer Funeral Home – River Park and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting with arrangements.

Please consider a small contribution to a charity or service organization of your choice or Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 in loving memory of Pat, in lieu of flowers. You may leave an online memory or expression of sympathy for the Shilling family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.