Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
PATRICIA GARLITS Obituary
PATRICIA LOUISE BEIGER
Ocala - Patricia Louise Bieger Garlits, wife of Legendary Drag Racer, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits for nearly 61 years, left this world and went over to the other side to spend eternity with Jesus Christ, this afternoon, February 2nd, at 5:53 p.m..
Patricia was born March 27th, 1934 in Covington, Kentucky, to Richard and Vivian Bieger. She had been suffering for many years, from a terminal disease. She passed away quietly at home with her husband; two daughters, GayLyn Capitano and Donna Garlits; her sister Sharon Keppel; and granddaughter Anna Capitano at her side, along with her two little Yorkshire Terriers, Bonnie and Belle. We had Glenn Miller playing in the background, as that was her favorite "Big Band".
Patricia is survived by her husband Donald Glenn Garlits; two daughters GayLyn Capitano and Donna Louise Garlits; her son-in-law Gregory Ernest Capitano; her five grandchildren Kirsten Capitano Watley, Rodney Donald Garlits, Sarah Lyn Smith, Benjamin Gregory Capitano, and Anna Elizabeth Capitano; one great-grandchild Braden Alexander-James Garlits; a sister Sharon Faye Keppel; a nephew Charles Joseph Keppel Jr.; and a niece; Sandra Lee Toner; a brother-in-law Edward Lawrence Garlits; and nephews Edward Lawrence Garlits Jr. and William Dale Garlits; as well as great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Arrangements have been made and a Memorial Service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 8th at 2:00pm, located at 2255 SE 38th St., Ocala, FL, 34480, reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to World Vision in Pat's honor. She loved and supported this organization for over 34 years, taking care of the impoverished children of the world. You can call (888) 511-6519 and give the code# 105429636 to make the donation in Pat's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PATRICIA GARLITS
Sponsored by James F Williams Jr.
FRANK LUGIANO
January 30, 2024
GOD IS TAKING GOOD CARE OF PAT...GOD BLESS DON AND FAMILY
della woods
February 1, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Larry W. Herndon
January 30, 2023
Pat, you and Don raised some great kids. Well done and rest in Peace.
FRANK LUGIANO
January 30, 2023
TIME HAS PASSED AND OUR LOVE FOR HER WILL ALWAYS BE THERE...GOD REST HER PRECIOUS SOUL.
GOD BLESS YOU DON
Stormy Byrd
January 31, 2022
We should all be blessed to have a spouse like Pat that was by Don's side through thick and thin for 61 years .
Pat was an icon out there all over the country , that takes a strong woman in any day & age.
I can feel Don's loss as I lost my very supportive wife of 27 years in 2015.
God bless Pat Garlits & God bless and look over Don as he continues on.
FRANK LUGIANO
January 30, 2022
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT TIME HAS PASSED SO QUICKLY. MY PRAYERS FOR DON AND FAMILY ARE ALWAYS THERE. PAT WAS A PRECIOUS ANGEL NOW SERVING THE LORD. AMEN
Tammy Lorenz
February 17, 2021
She was an amazing lady I cared for her at the Bridge of Ocala!
Dave Maset
January 31, 2021
A gracious lady who will always be missed. Thanks for the lunch, Pat....and rest well!
FRANK LUGIANO
January 30, 2021
I'M SURE PAT IS SMILING DOWN ON DON AND FAMILY....SHE WAS QUITE THE PARTNER...GOD REST HER PRECIOUS SOUL....
Todd Hutcheson
February 2, 2020
I had the great honor meeting Ms. Pat, it was simply on my must meet list. She was all that I had hoped for, our Super Star lady. I miss her.
JAck Redd
January 31, 2020
A beautiful Lady that did a lot for the history drag racing. Loved & missed. RIP ole friend.
January 30, 2020
Thank you for your unfailing kindness.....
FRANK LUGIANO
January 30, 2020
MY CONTINUED PRAYERS TO DON AND HIS FAMILY...PAT IS SMILING DOWN ON EVERYONE...SHE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...FRANK
Ted Tine
February 4, 2019
Such a wonderful women. RIP Patricia
david maset
February 4, 2019
Wonderful, gentle lady. The world need more like her!
Jack Redd
January 30, 2019
A great Lady and friend.
Keith Edmonds
March 19, 2014
The Garlits family is in our prayers.
Jennifer Wachowski
March 16, 2014
Dear Garlits family,
I had the pleasure of waiting on Don and Pat in a little diner in Peotone, IL in 2000 after you both got turned around and were looking for I-65. I will always remember how sweet and down to earth you both were. When I chased you to your trailer seeking an autograph Pat treated me like an old friend while digging for a paper and pen while I held her beloved little dogs. I'll always remember that kindness. My prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. May God keep you and hold you in His comforting arms.
sherman hutchins
March 1, 2014
big daddy,so sorry to hear of mrs garlits passing
March 1, 2014
Hi Don sorry to hear about your loss of pat i know what your loss is I just lost my wife to last year. God bless you see you at the gators JOHN ROBBINS Gainesville fl
Jon Lundberg
February 22, 2014
Don & Family ...
I met Pat Garlits for the first time at Central Michigan Dragway in 1958, just after that year's World Series at Cordova. Over the ensuing years we became friends. Pat Garlits was possessed of a kind, gentle, forgiving and yet firm spirit. I valued her friendship and will miss her counsel. May God's blessing bring a "peace that passeth all understanding" to Don and the family as we collectively mourn her passing. May her spirit forever soar with the angels!
Geoff and Linda Stunkard
February 21, 2014
Don and family, we are saddened to hear of your loss, but believe with you that Pat has entered a place of wholeness, peace, and joy now. Be blessed in Jesus name during this time of loss.
February 20, 2014
Don, We are sorry for your loss. Pat was a special woman. Thoughts and Prayers sent to You and your Family.
Cynthia, Joe and the Lepone Family
February 17, 2014
Well, I did know that Pat has been sick for a long time. I knew her for over fifty years, beginning at Cordova Illinois. Pat and Don are the most gracious people that I have ever met. I will make amends to pay my respects Tuesday. Gregory Miller
Feb. 18.
February 16, 2014
VERY SORRY TO HERE THE BAD NEWS DON.MET
YOU-ALL AT THE MUSEUM A WHILE BACK.I AND MY WIFE(DARLENE) were also there
when you WON the us nats. in 84. lost
Darlene 2 years ago to AML.STAY STRONG
JIM BRINER
&
"THE KILLER DRESSER"
Wayne & Betty Madison
February 14, 2014
Our prayers are with you and yours.
Randy and LuAnn O'Keefe
February 12, 2014
Don...Pat will be missed by many but she's at peace and with the Lord...God bless you and your family.
Steve & Nancy James
February 12, 2014
To Don and Family . My Dad was a Preacher for a lot of Years He would carry a Cross and tell Others About Jesus Christ and I will never Forget the Day He said Next time look at Don's Dragster My Dad had a Big ole Smile on His Face and Sure Enough there was that Cross with God is Love on Your car. I am not sure how dad came to know You unless it was by way of Mr Moore that had the Real estate office on the road near Your home in seffner. We met at The winter Nationals in the late 80's. In My Heart I know Pat is in the arms of Jesus and God's Love. You and Your Family are in Our Heart's and Prayer's.
John Ewald
February 11, 2014
Carl Olson said it perfectly...my feelings exactly.
Harry Hibler
February 11, 2014
Special people receive special rewards and God will give Pat very special one. May she rest in peace.
Bunny Burkett
February 10, 2014
Our deepest condolences Don and family. Such a wonderful and beautiful person to have known. She will be missed! Miss you Don....from Bunny & All The Boys....R.I.P. Pat and God Bless....
Carl Olson
February 10, 2014
It was an honor to have known this wonderful woman. She was the template for all other drag racing wives to model themselves after, totally supportive of her loving husband in every possible way. She will be very much missed by me and so many others.
Jerry Lusk
February 10, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear wife. I had the pleasure of meeting Pat back in the 80's at the museum and she was very nice to speak with me. Her suffering has ended and she is in a better place with her Lord at peace.
Hot Chili Rods Car Club
February 10, 2014
Our deepest sympathy.
FRANK LUGIANO
February 10, 2014
MEETING DON AND PATRICIA YEARS AGO AND FOLLOWING AND ADMIRING THEM FOR DECADES...SHE WAS A LADY....PERIOD...HOW BLESSED DON AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WERE TO BE IN HER LIFE. GOD REST HER PRECIOUS SOUL AND BLESS THE FAMILY...
James Kirby
February 9, 2014
May God be with you and your family. You and your family have touched the lives of so many, and race fans how have grown up with and looked up to all your family has done and sacrificed for the sport of Drag,racing,were all sorry for your loss, it just isn't fair for a family who's done so much for so many should never themselves experience hardship. Know the world and the fans of the sport your wife and you continually reinvented owes a debt to you that can never be relayed. Know our hearts and sympathies go out to you and your family, may God personally help and get you through this in similar fashion the crosses on your cars brought inspiration to us all as he has in the past. God bless you. James and Frances Kirby. Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Big fans of your family, your work and museum.
michael wood
February 9, 2014
our prayers to you and your family,from our family,mike wood,guilford vermont
Carol Holmes Kubik
February 9, 2014
Don & Family - saddened by the news of Pat's passing. God be with all of you now and always. Your cousin -
February 9, 2014
My condolescence.
February 9, 2014
Rest, Pat..God Bless You
February 9, 2014
RIP Pat
"JCB"
James Handy
February 9, 2014
So sorry to hear of Pat's passing. My condolences to the entire Garlits family.
February 9, 2014
Our mutual friend Linda Vaughn has often been referred to as being the "First Lady of Drag Racing," and rightfully so. With that being said, Pat Garlits was undoutedly the "First Lady of Drag Racing Champions!" Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord, Pat. Bob McClurg
Jim McCombe
February 9, 2014
The World is a bit sadder today with the passing of Pat.
Condolences to Don and the entire Garlits family on your loss
God Speed Pat...
February 9, 2014
Dear Don,
I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. I have treasured memories of your brief UK visits and particularly when you kindly offered us shelter from a sudden downpour along with a sneak preview of your museum. You have lost a wonderful woman, my deepest sympathies to your family.
Steve Jackson
February 9, 2014
Don:please accept my sincere sympathy.
Don Prieto
Gary & Marie Cochran
February 9, 2014
Our sincere condolences for your loss of such a great lady...rip Pat.
February 9, 2014
Besides my Mother,the greatest lady in my life is my wife.
She has many similarities to Pat, being married into the Drag Racing world and enduring the good times and bad. And yet, these women were the "Prime Movers" who made their husband's successes possible and failures survivable.
Indeed...! Pat is a remarkable human being we will always remember.
...Jamie Jackson
Jackson Bros Videos
Wayne King
February 9, 2014
You and your family are in our prayers.
Mark Birdsell
February 9, 2014
Mr. Garlits,
You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your life partner and Wife od 61 years. It is said we all have 1 person who we are meant to be with, and she was definitely yours. God Bless you and your family during these trying days and God Speed to Pat.
February 9, 2014
Don so sorry for your loss, you and I spoke after your talk at the Abbotsford car show a couple of years ago. She is now supervising all of us from above.
jeff and Carol sayer AFD/665
Gail Merritt
February 9, 2014
The world has lost a wonderful person, But heaven has a beautiful angel.
Chick DeNinno
February 9, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss Don
Rod McCarrell
February 9, 2014
A true drag racers wife. RIP
Nicholas Carrita
February 9, 2014
Don, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Ian Tocher
February 9, 2014
Sincere condolences from everyone at Drag Illustrated, Don and family.
gary
February 9, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss!! Thoughts and prayers to Don and the Garlits family. RIP Pat - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/tboI am so sorry for your loss!! Thoughts and prayers to Don and the Garlits family. RIP Pat - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/tbo/patricia-garlits-condolences/169523092#sthash.9WiJAsSW.XCtucnJ2.dpuf/patricia-garlits-condolences/169523092#sthash.9WiJAsSW.XCtucnJ2.dpuf
S² Speed Shop
February 9, 2014
Prayers flowing to the entire Garlits family during this very difficult time although we all know Pat is wrapped up tight in Jesus' loving arms!
Ross Kiser
February 9, 2014
My prayers and love to you and your family Don my she rest in peace
Tom Vandever
February 8, 2014
Pat, I'm so sad to hear that you have left us. It's been 25 years since I last visited either at Ocala or on the NHRA circuit. Remember, I met you and Don in person for the first time, and we shook hands, at the '84 U.S. Nationals, and Bob Wyman said to me “we are seriously looking at doing a big thing with them and their car.” I was with Mallory/Erson, Factory Sales Rep., and Racing Services at the time. Those years during the ‘80s were fun times. I did my NASCAR thing throughout the ‘90s.
I'm sorry you couldn't see me before you left. Don can see me in “Stuff I Did…” Rest. God Bless. Godspeed!
February 8, 2014
Steve Tanzi, won of the original Performance People, Behind every Great Man is a Great Woman/Wife. You have been so blessed in your life to have your wife Pat. She was there for you during your greatest achievements and she was there for you when times were tough and she will be with you forever because that is what the special bond between a husband and his wife is all about. GOD Bless you Don and thank you for all you and Pat have given us.
Richard Smith
February 8, 2014
God bless you don.May she rest in peace.
February 8, 2014
Pat,I am so very sorry about your passing,But also glad that all the suffering is gone. You were the catalyst behind your loving husband for all those years.You will be sorely missed, Go with speed and R.I.P.
Lynn McCarthy
February 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss!! Thoughts and prayers to Don and the Garlits family. RIP Pat
Mike and Asara Montgomery
February 8, 2014
We have to trust in the Lord and how he works. Our family's strength and prayers are with you Don in this time of need. Prayers have been sent.....
Jim Stuempfle
February 8, 2014
I met Pat at the museum on my visit there. Don, you and your family have my deepest condolences. She was a sweetheart.
della woods
February 8, 2014
The eternal light!!!
Les triggs
February 8, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with you and your family
February 8, 2014
So sorry for your loss, Don.
Dave Settles
Mike DiMassa
February 8, 2014
So sorry for your loss Don and family. Still remember Pat at the museum when I visited many years ago. May she rest in peace.
RON REGAN
February 8, 2014
So sorry foe your loss Don.
Jackee Allen
February 8, 2014
Don, Donna, Gay Lyn and all family members, please know I am sending my prayers and love to all of you during this difficult time. My life has been blessed for knowing Pat. There aren't enough words to tell you what you already know. Pat was a wonderful person. While I am sad that she has left this part of life, I'm also rejoicing that she is now in her eternal home with Jesus. Free and whole and well. Thank you Jesus. May God hold all of you close and give you all of his comfort, joy, and love at a life well lived for Him. Love, Jackee
JAck Redd
February 8, 2014
My prayers are with Don and family. YOur "Angel on Earth" is now an "Angel in Heaven". God Bless Pat's Family.
February 8, 2014
Condolences to Don & the Garlits family, what a wonderful lady Pat was. Greg Reinarts & family, Antelope, California.
AL [email protected] ODELL
February 8, 2014
I AM SO SORRY DON. THERE IS NO WORDS THAT ANYONE CAN REALLY SAY. YOU ARE LIKE FAMILY TO ME AS I HAVE MET AND SEEN YOU RACE QUIT OFTEN IN THE 60'S AND 70'S AT MIAMI DRAGWAY WHEN I USED TO RACE THERE. YOU TWO WERE TOGETHER FOR 61 YEARS, THAT IS AMAZING. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
February 8, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Don & his family from CAPITOL RACEWAY PROMOTIONS,Aquasco speedway, & cecil county dragoway from. years gone by. PAT will surely be missed!!!!!
February 8, 2014
Don, You have my sincere condolences & prayers. John Holmes,Madison,Oh.
Buzz Dennison
February 8, 2014
God be with you and bring you peace Don. Many years of seeing you and Pat at the tracks. Such a wonderful lady.
February 8, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Pat was a wonderful lady.she helped me with my eye problem. always had time to talk.God bless.
Earl Knight Sr
February 8, 2014
God Bless,God Speed Pat!!Big,sympathy and condolences to you and family.
Vince Magnante
February 8, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your dear Pats passing. She was a courageous lady and a great example of what a life's companion and partner should be. May she rest in peace. God Bless You Don and give you strength and peace in the coming days.
Rock Clingman
February 8, 2014
Condolences to the Garltis family and friends. I remember Pat for simple act of kindness many years ago at race track in L.A. I was a fuel vendor snd stuck at my truck the entire day without a break. She came the next day to visit with me, brought me water and book by Big to read and then came by and chatted a couple more times. I have never forgotten that
Ted Tine
February 8, 2014
Don, My condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Pat was a wonderful women, she will be sorely missed.God speed
Bob Perkins
February 8, 2014
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
Jack & Bette Dastoli
February 8, 2014
So sorry for your loss Don. You and Pat are a true inspiration as a couple. The joy you shared and the contributions you two made to Drag Racing will always be remembered. God Speed Pat. Our prayers are with you and your family.
February 8, 2014
Im sorry about your loss Don but with all the pain and suffering she has been going threw she is in a peaceful place now be strong Don and God Speed to you and your family.
RGC Motorsport
Ron Crookshanks Abbotsford BC Canada
Sherrie DeLeon
February 8, 2014
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Pat,she will always be remembered with a huge smile on her face and always at your side, God Bless.Sherrie DeLeon WWSODR
Gary Judd
February 8, 2014
A great lady has passed. God bless her, Don, Donna and Gaylyn.
Mickey Bryant
February 8, 2014
I will truly miss seeing Pat at the Bowling Green event, and during visits to the museum. Now you and T.C. are reunited Pat. God speed.
Duane Gerhardt
February 8, 2014
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Don! Godspeed! The Gerhardt family
my hero
jeff labas
February 8, 2014
sorry for your loss don......god bless....be strong.....my thoughts and prayers go out to you
Gail Daniels
February 8, 2014
Don I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, I will keep you an your family in my thoughts an prayers.
Bob Unkefer
February 8, 2014
Don and girls, so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you.
Maggie Green-Summers Peace
February 8, 2014
To the Garlits Family,
There are not enough words that can be said. As time passes you will hear her words of wisdom repeating from your mouths out of love. We hope you know you have your own angel now!!
with deepest condolences
The Green and Summers Families
NORMAN DANIELS
February 8, 2014
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Charles Nicholson
February 8, 2014
Don,Donna,&Gaylyn;
My sincere deepest sympathies to you and your families for your loss, of your beloved wife, Pat Garlits. We must believe now that our Lord & Savior has her by his side. She is at peace, and is awaiting you all to be with her in the Kingdom of Heaven. May the Lord be with you all ! :):):)
Mr. C.W.Nicholson
Michael Jones
February 8, 2014
Don, and family,
I was so touched by Pat when I was able to meet her at Indy in the 70's. She was gracious, caring, and just such a wonderful person. Don, I know your heart is broken, along with your children. Just as Pat was the glue that held the family together during the hardest of times, her spirit and your love for her will continue to do so. May God shine his blessing down on you all.
Showing 1 - 100 of 157 results
Make a Donation
in PATRICIA GARLITS's name
Memorial Events
for PATRICIA GARLITS
How to support PATRICIA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor PATRICIA GARLITS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
