Obituary of Patricia Ann Fugate

Patricia writes:

 

If you are reading this obituary, it means that I died. In planning for the last story of my life, I knew that I would need to live an active, interesting, and meaningful life, so you would not be bored. I hope you aren't disappointed.

 

I received a call, the sort of offer you can't refuse, for an appointment from which I will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends I have not seen in a long time.

 

I will start with “WOW” what a ride!?I was born on April 13, 1942, in Sidney, Ohio to my daddy James Comer Jr., and mother Thelma Jackson Comer.Shortly after my mother gave birth to me, she passed away. I was only 6 weeks old. My mother passed from a heart attack, or at least that's what the newspaper story read.

 

My daddy was devastated over my mother's death, as he found her deceased, he could not take care of me.So, he handed me over to his dad and mom,my grandparents are James Comer, Sr. and Clara Bryan Comer. My grandparents reared me in their home on the farm in Sidney, OH with their 10 children, my new brothers & sisters.

 

I only knew my mother through pictures and stories, but I loved her and grieved for her throughout my life.

 

I went to Green Township Schools, later to be called Fairlawn Schools. I graduated the class of 1960. School is where I met the love of my life, Howard S. Fugate Jr. We married after graduating. Our winter wedding, Dec. 18, 1960, was all I ever dreamed about. We lived a wonderful life together and went on to raise 5 beautiful children; 3 girls and 2 boys.

 

I worked as a homemaker for a few years until the older children were in school. Then I went to work at Wagner’s Manufacturing Co. Sidney, OH. I also took a job later at Monarch Dry Cleaners, Sidney, OH. I started my own little business doing people’s laundry. Washing, drying and ironing and delivering the clothes when finished. My work life went on to clean all services Sidney, OH, and then I took a job for Fairlawn Schools, Sidney, OH as a school bus driver. I was so excited that I was going to work for the school I graduated from. I drove a bus for 35 years, and I was also hired as the nighttime janitor. I drove during the day and cleaned the school at night.

 

I drove those 35 years and drove 3 generations of children. I loved those kids and the parents who trusted me to take their children to and from school. The children and parents were like my family. Driving a school bus was my passion and my life. During those 35 years I gained a lot of knowledge. I went on to teach bus drivers and truck drivers to get them ready to drive and pass their CDL.Many, many people learned from me.

 

On February 9,1986, the love of my life Howard S. Fugate, Jr., my husband of over 30 years, passed away from a massive heart attack.  His death devastated me,and a part of me died that day. I kept working my job and tried my best to move on for my two younger children still at home.The children on the bus I drove to school really saved my life by being there every day.

 

My son Jeffery passed away from a massive heart attack in 2012, the rest of me died that day with him, my life would never be the same. I was done living that day and did not want to live with this broken heart.

 

I have my children left with me, Dianna Stone, Karen Picker, John Fugate and Christi Fugate

 

I have lost a good many people in my life, my siblings who preceded me in death are Ruth (Donald) Wick,Wayne (Mary) Comer, Robert (June) Comer, Martha Comer, Marjorie (William) Comer, Henry Comer, Harold (Virgina) Comer, Ethel (Harold) Cruikshank, Nancy J. Comer, Jerry L. Comer. Gone but not forgotten: My husband Howard S. Fugate,Granddaughter Emily C. Picker, and Son-in-law Carl R. Picker. Waiting on my arrival in heaven are my biological parents: James Comer Jr and Thelma Comer, reared parents: James Comer Sr and Clara Comer, mother and father-in-law, Howard S. Fugate Jr. and Gladys Fugate,

 

Continuing the obituary for our mother:

 

Patricia Ann Fugate, Age 81, of 1250 Park Ave.Piqua, OH, she passed away on March 19, 2024, in Safety Harbor, Florida. Where, she was in rehab recovering from a stroke that took her leg due to a clot. She spent her winters in Clearwater, Florida with her daughters. She survived 3 months after her stroke.

 

Patricia is survived by her children: Dianna (Charles) Stone of Anna, OH, Karen Picker of Piqua, OH, John Fugate of Sidney, OH, Christi Fugate of Piqua, OH, other survivors include her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her step-grandchildren who she dearly loved and even raised her oldest grandchild, Luke. Luke (Leann) Clay, Tyler Carter, and Torrance Clay, Ben (Debbie) Stone, Emily, and Olivia Stone of Sidney, OH, Benjamin (Brooklyn) Fahnestock of Sidney, OH, Macie Fahnestock of Anna, OH, Colt and Lyrics Fahnestock of Sidney, OH, Jake Stone of Sidney, OH, Joshua (Shawn) Burks of Sidney, OH, Joshua (Leah) Kasin and Baby Peoples of Sidney, OH. Justin (Amy) Peoples, Lilyanna, and Isabella, Gabriella, and Elessia Peoples of Cincinnati, OH, Tuley “TJ” (Brandy) Maxwell of Troy, OH, Latrey Barger, of Troy, OH, Lazaya and Ken Trell Barger of Sidney, OH, Kaylajo Maxwell of Piqua, OH, Anna Picker Wyen, Gracelynn, Addylynn Wyen, and Miles Hurst of Sidney, OH, Tiffany Fugate and Bryliee Fugate of Sidney, OH, and Mallory Rench of Tipp City, OH, Brittany Goings of Lima, OH, Stazia Philpott, Stephen Philpott, and Arrianna Foreman of Sidney, OH, Jennifer Webb of Sidney, OH, Ashtin Fugate of Interlachen, FL, and Lucas king of Sidney, OH. Also left behind are loved ones Sister-in-laws Beth Fugate (Charles) Cableof Sidney, OH, Darlene (Vernon) Hall of Sidney, OH,Eva (Orville) Huffman of Sidney, OH, Virginia (Harold) Comer of Sidney, OH, and Brother-in-law Loren (Shirley) Watkins of Sidney, OH.

 

Patricia “Trish” Pat will be remembered for her noodles, fudge, and her pan-fried chicken. Our mom could sew anything and store-bought halloween costumes were unheard of! She could sew and make anything.Not just for us kids but for many friends too! She will be remembered for having the cleanest school bus ever. Pat will be remembered for her many years of devotion, love, and kindness towards all her bus kids and parents. She had an infectious smile that she wore every day. Trish was a great sister to her siblings and had such a connection to her one-year older sister Nancy Jean Comer, whom she talked about ‘til the day of her stroke.

 

We will miss you Mom, may you be joined with your loved ones. May you wear those wings proud; you deserve them!

 

Pat suffered for many years from Dementia and for the past 2 years, it was severe. We pray there be a cure for this sad disease in the years to come.

 

Inurnment for Patricia Fugate will take place on May 11, 2024 at 2:00PM at Cedar Point Cemetery Pasco, Sidney, OH. With reception to follow at Red Barn Venue 8846 North Hetzler Road Piqua, OH 45356.

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