Obituary of Patty Depew
Patricia Lynn Lockard was born in Gold Beach, Oregon on September 3, 1962. She was one of four children born from the union of Jerry and Sandra (Parker) Lockard. Patty, as she would become commonly known married the love of her life: Johnny Depew in Toledo, Ohio on December 2, 1980. Together they were blessed with the birth of three children.
Patty was a natural caregiver. She was gainfully employed as a Certified Nurses Aide for various nursing facilities throughout Monroe. A hard worker, she loved assisting those who couldn’t help themselves.
Although she was set in her ways, Patty was an amazing mother who always put her family’s needs ahead of her own. To know her was to love her as not one negative word could have ever been said about her. She treasured the time she spent with family, especially enjoying her grandbabies, truly melting when her granddaughter, Hannah cuddled with her.
Patty could be found on any day that ended in “y” at the local Knights of Columbus or Veteran of Foreign Wars hoping for an opportunity to shout BINGO. Taking her chances pulling the lever at the Windsor Casino quarter slots was another favorite pastime of hers. However, she always said there was nothing like the thrill of watching a boy’s baseball game, and she was a staple at her son, Greg’s sporting events, especially since all her kids jokingly agreed that he was her favorite child.
Patty looked forward to the month of December. It was then that she baked her highly sought after famous Christmas Sugar Cookies and Christmas Fudge for her family. The Petersburg KOA was a favorite destination. It was there that she enjoyed pitching a tent to lie under the stars. She kept her radio set to mostly Country music with the volume low enough not to disturb anyone else.
There were very few pictures that Patty did not have an ice cold, “regular” PEPSI in her hand, not one of those diet or reduce sugar drinks. Her family often joked that she must have been receiving a royalty from PEPSI.
Patricia “Patty” Depew, age 60, of Newport, passed away at 4:07am on Saturday; March 4, 2023, while under the care of Beaumont Hospital, Trenton. Her passing was preceded by her parents.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of forty-three years: Johnny; three children: Johna Brown (Michael Gessner), Greg (Jodi) Depew, Ashley (Derek) Kaczor; two sisters: Tracie Jo, Carla (Paul) Latrondress; one brother: Jeff (Denise) Lockard; eleven grandchildren: Paul Brown, Dylan Brown, Giovanni Depew, Armani McLeod, Amyah Campbell, Hannah Kaczor, James Gessner, Megan Gessner, Hannah Gessner, Zachary Gessner, Thomas Gessner; one great grandchild: Eli McIntosh; and her step-father: Richard Canode.
Friends may gather on Wednesday; March 8, 2023, from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her life, led by Pastor Nate Clawson will take place at 7:00pm, also at Merkle’s. Cremation will follow at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.