Obituary of Patricia Rose Darin

Patricia Rose Ketchum was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 28, 1941. She was the only daughter of three children born from the union of Harold E. and Eva (Lemastus) Ketchum. Patricia attended Livonia Public Schools graduating from Ladywood High School.   She married David Darin, and the couple was blessed jointly, with four children.

For many years, Patricia was employed by General Motors as a trim specialist, a position she would maintain until her retirement.  However, there was something quite magical about the Hallmark Store that enticed Patricia. She frequented so often and stayed so long that the business placed her on their payroll by default. Of course, soon her entire paycheck, and then some, was spent at her beloved store. 

Just to keep busy, Patricia could often be found completing crafting projects of various kinds.   On occasion, Patricia entertained herself visiting the Casino and pulling the levers of the slot machines, often shouting “woo-hoo” as though she was Michael Jackson.   An avid sports fan, she would not miss a chance, either by television or in person, to cheer on her much-loved University of Michigan Football team as well as the Detroit Tiger Baseball team. She always hoped for a better Detroit Lions Football season, but everyone was quite aware that Patricia knew the Lions were disappointingly horrible.   

Although, she disliked the cold temperatures and harsh winters, Patricia was a self-declared “Michigan Girl”, at least until she and her husband moved to Florida, where they lived until his passing.   To be closer to family, Patricia moved to Tennessee five years ago making her home with her daughter and son.

Above anything, Patricia loved her grandchildren.   She especially enjoyed dressing up for the holidays and Halloween, in particular. Her costumes were painstakingly created by hand with the main goal to be scary enough to frighten her grandkids.  

Patricia Rose Darin, age 80, passed away at her home in Ethridge, Tennessee.   Her passing was preceded by her mother: Eva; her husband: David Darin; a son: Christopher Darin Drobil; a brother: Bruce Ketchum; and two sisters-in-law: Nancy and Ruby. 

Left to cherish her memory, she leaves two daughters: Connie (the late Bennie) Staggs of Ethridge, Tennessee, Eva (Duane) Ferris; two sons: Robert Drobil, Mario (Leigh) Darin; one brother: Larry Ketchum; nine grandchildren: Holly Horton, Timmy (Jennifer) Horton, Lynette Burns, Corey (Sara) Ferris, Kirk Ferris, Kenny (Jack) Kaumo, Starlyn (Kurtis) Lay, Jonathan Drobil, Derek Drobil, McKenna Darin, Jacob Darin; thirteen great grandchildren: Aiden, Emmitt, Aurti, Dominique, Akria, Hunter, Corey Jr., Drake, Hailey, Kylie, Katelynn, Kamden, and Brody.

Friends may gather on Thursday; October 6, 2022, from 1:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. On Friday, October 7, 2022, Patricia will Lie in State from 9:00am until the time of the Mass of the Resurrection, led by Fr. Joseph Plawecki, at 10:00am at Ss. Simon and Jude Church; 32500 Palmer Road, Westland, Michigan 48186.   Procession will follow to St. Hedwig Cemetery for interment. 

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