Sept. 30, 1958 — April 25, 2015

Patricia Ann Reist, 56, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at her home, with her loving family by her side.

A celebration of life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2015, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac, with Reverend Brian DeLong officiating. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, April 30 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Clark Chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Patricia online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Patricia was born Sept. 30, 1958, in St. Charles, Missouri to Garrell M. and Shirley A. (Smith) Small. She attended Dowagiac Union High School and graduated in 1976. She received her associate’s degree in nursing from Southwestern Michigan College.

Patricia married the love of her life, Brian Reist on April 26, 1980. They would have celebrated 35 years of marriage this past Sunday, April 26, 2015.

She worked at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac for many years. She was a devoted nurse and loved her job and her patients. Patricia felt that being a nurse was her calling in life. She was a true nurturer and she loved gardening as flowers were her passion.

Patricia loved animals of all kinds, especially cats. Patricia was a fun-loving person and always had on her happy face. The most important part of her life was her family.

She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and her passing leaves an empty spot in many of the lives she touched. Patricia is survived by her husband Brian; three children, Branden (Rebecca) Reist of Tualatin, Oregon, Brianne (Matthew Velthouse) Reist of Dowagiac and Brittney Reist of Dowagiac; a granddaughter, Brielle Reist and a grandchild expected in October. She also leaves behind four brothers, Garrell (Patricia) Small of Niles, Steven (Cathy) Small of Dowagiac, Robin Small of Dallas, Texas and Phillip (Tami) Small of Marcellus; her father and mother-in-law Ruth and Ed Reist of Brooksville, Florida; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.