Patricia Jo O'Connell

Patricia Jo O'Connell, 90, Marion, left her earthly home to go to her heavenly home at 9:04 pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Monday, June 10, 1935, to Virgil and Elizabeth (Martin) Murphy. She lived most of her life in Grant or Wabash County.

She went to Van Buren High School but graduated from Marion High School in 1953.

She met her first husband, Donald Drabenstot, in 1953, and they were married in Wabash at the courthouse. They moved to Wabash County and had two precious sons, David Lee Drabenstot and Danny Eugene Drabenstot. They divorced in 1976 after 23 years of marriage.

Patricia enjoyed working in grocery stores in Marion and for 10 years at Marsh in Wabash. Finally, she went to work for Fisher Body in February of 1976. She was a member of the Local 977 and the Sympathy Club, retiring in June of 1995. She was a member of Grace Community Church for more than 20 years.

On October 15, 1977, Patricia married James O'Connell, who passed away in 2007 after 30 years of marriage.

She had one sister, Cecile Coffelt. In their whole life they never had one argument. She also had three brothers, Virgil Murphy, Jr., Henery Cramer and Herman Cramer.

Survivors include her son, David (Peggy) Drabenstot; grandchildren, Chad (Sonya) Drabenstot, Melissa (Joseph) Haggens from North Carolina, Joshua (Kristi) Drabenstot, Waylon Drabenstot from Florida, April (Tommy) Weaver, and Kayla (Ronte) McNeill from Marion; three step-grandchildren, Veronica (Simmy) Hatcher, Robin (Jr) English, and Shelton from North Carolina; along with many great-grandchildren and many to the 5th generation.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Virgil and Elizabeth Murphy; her husband, James O'Connell; beloved sister, Cecile Coffelt; her brothers, Virgil Murphy, Jr., Henery and Herman Cramer; a special grandchild, Kinley Hatcher; father of her sons, Donald Drabenstot; and a much-loved son, Danny Eugene Drabenstot.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, including three special nieces, Cynthia Coffelt Yates, Tricia Jones, and Shana Pizzuto.

The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Patricia's life will begin at 12:00 noon with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.