In Memory Of
Patricia Ann Best
1939
2023
Patricia Ann Best
August 19, 1939 — September 29, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS – Patricia Ann “Pat” Best, 84, passed away at 10:25 AM on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Rosegate Village in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on August 19, 1939 to the late Graham S. and Florence Thelma (Proos) Best in Wabash, Indiana.
Pat was a 1957 graduate of Noble Township High School in Wabash, Indiana. She went on to study Home Economics Vocational Education at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana attaining her bachelor’s degree in 1961.
Immediately upon graduating college Pat accepted a teaching position in Tippecanoe County at Buck Creek School where she taught English, Home Economics and Physical Education moving on in 1963. Next Pat worked as a Food Research Lab Assistant and Residence Halls Food Manager for Purdue University until 1970. Afterword, she became employed at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana as the Education Coordinator and Food & Nutrition Services Manager retiring in 1994. Lastly, from 1996 to 2021 Pat worked for Jackson Hewitt as a Tax Preparer.
Pat was an avid Purdue University sports fan. In her leisure, Pat enjoyed reading, crocheting and making delicious fudge. She was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many years. Pat was a proud member of the American Business Women’s Association and Purdue Alumni Association.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Rex Nielsen and beloved friends, Barb Queen and Loretta Rawlins. Pat leaves behind her best friend, Marge Elliott; niece, Valerie Stout; nephew, Christopher Nielsen; adopted family: Rusty (Michele) Rawlins, Jeff (Liliia) Rawlins, Duane (Carol) Rawlins and Pam Rawlins; grandchildren: Ben (Amanda) Rawlins, Andrew Rawlins, Alex Rawlins, Grant Rawlins, Kyle Rawlins and Kayla (Christian) Wurtzbaugh; and great grandchildren, Daphne and Colette Rawlins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions in Pat’s name to Purdue University Alumni Association.
Please continue to support Pat’s family during this difficult time by clicking the “Share Memories” icon located above sharing your thoughts, memories and prayers.
Pat was a 1957 graduate of Noble Township High School in Wabash, Indiana. She went on to study Home Economics Vocational Education at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana attaining her bachelor’s degree in 1961.
Immediately upon graduating college Pat accepted a teaching position in Tippecanoe County at Buck Creek School where she taught English, Home Economics and Physical Education moving on in 1963. Next Pat worked as a Food Research Lab Assistant and Residence Halls Food Manager for Purdue University until 1970. Afterword, she became employed at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana as the Education Coordinator and Food & Nutrition Services Manager retiring in 1994. Lastly, from 1996 to 2021 Pat worked for Jackson Hewitt as a Tax Preparer.
Pat was an avid Purdue University sports fan. In her leisure, Pat enjoyed reading, crocheting and making delicious fudge. She was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many years. Pat was a proud member of the American Business Women’s Association and Purdue Alumni Association.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Rex Nielsen and beloved friends, Barb Queen and Loretta Rawlins. Pat leaves behind her best friend, Marge Elliott; niece, Valerie Stout; nephew, Christopher Nielsen; adopted family: Rusty (Michele) Rawlins, Jeff (Liliia) Rawlins, Duane (Carol) Rawlins and Pam Rawlins; grandchildren: Ben (Amanda) Rawlins, Andrew Rawlins, Alex Rawlins, Grant Rawlins, Kyle Rawlins and Kayla (Christian) Wurtzbaugh; and great grandchildren, Daphne and Colette Rawlins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions in Pat’s name to Purdue University Alumni Association.
Please continue to support Pat’s family during this difficult time by clicking the “Share Memories” icon located above sharing your thoughts, memories and prayers.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patricia Ann Best, please visit our flower store.
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