91, of Macomb
Patricia ('Pat') W. Painter, a long-time resident of La Harpe, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 15 in Mendota, Illinois, at the age of 98½.
Pat was born Patricia Ann Whelan in 1927 to James and Ellena Whelan of Joliet, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 63 years, Ralph Ernest “Ernie” Painter, Jr. of La Harpe; their infant daughter, Mary Ellen; daughter-in-law, Nancy Painter; her parents; and her brother, Dr. James Whelan, PhD, and his family.
Pat began her education in Joliet, attending Joliet Junior College before transferring to the University of Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. It was there that she met Ernie. They married in 1950, settled on their farm west of La Harpe, and raised two children: Kathleen (Kathy') Faber (Randy) of Sublette, Illinois, and Dr. Thomas ('Tom') Painter, DVM (Laurie) of Easton, Missouri.
Kathy and Tom each raised two children: Bradley Faber (Catherine) of Naperville, Illinois; Dr. Jesse Faber, PhD (Mary) of Pontiac, Illinois; David Painter (Dr. Hannah, MD) of Beatrice, Nebraska; and Dr. Lorie Painter Jones, DVM (Kurt) of Terre Haute, Indiana.
