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.
Pat was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Ava (13) and Eli Faber (11) of Pontiac, Illinois; Grant (8) and Caroline Faber (5) of Naperville, Illinois; Luke (12) and Ella Jones (10) of Terre Haute, Indiana; and Claire Patricia Painter (2½) of Beatrice, Nebraska.
In addition, Tom’s family includes three stepchildren— Andrea (Father Jon) Erdman of Louisville, Kentucky; Anna McGeehan of Easton, Missouri; and Dr. Doug McGeehan, PhD of Albuquerque, New Mexico—and five step-grandchildren: Sarah (17), Joey (15), Naomi (12), Gabriel (12), and Joshua Erdman (6) of Louisville, Kentucky.
Pat often said her greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother. When Tom was in first grade, she began substitute teaching in La Harpe and soon discovered a passion for education. She returned to school at Western Illinois University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education. For 30 years, she taught first grade in La Harpe, retiring at age 71.
A dedicated and creative teacher, Pat incorporated Montessori methods and hands-on learning in her classroom. She took great pride in helping every student learn to read. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for the world were contagious—she taught her students to identify birds by sight and song, and to recognize constellations in the night sky. Teaching was not just her profession, but her calling.
Pat was also active in her community. She treasured her many friendships through the La Harpe Mother’s Club, her bridge groups spanning Roseville to Hancock County, and her long-time membership in P.E.O., which she continued after moving to Mendota.
A devout Catholic throughout her life, Pat was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Dallas City, Illinois and more recently of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sublette, Illinois. She found deep joy and strength in her faith and, at this time, is surely rejoicing in being reunited with Jesus and her beloved Ernie.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage, with Msgr. Paul Showalter as celebrant. Burial will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Carnegie Public Library. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Pat’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
