Patricia Ann Harder

Patricia Ann Harder, 94, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Brentwood Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 27, 1930, in Union Mills, Indiana, the daughter of Clarence Gillham and Irene Marie (Hense) Gillham.

Patricia grew up on a farm in Union Mills, Indiana, then moved to La Porte with her late husband, Raymond Harder, who she married on Oct. 29, 1950.

She attended Union Mills High School until her senior year, when she transferred to La Porte High School, playing her clarinet in the band. She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of La Porte, where she was a member of the Methodist Women and ran the nursery for many years.

Patricia worked for Allis Chalmers as a secretary from 1948-1953, babysat for several teachers during the school year, was a twice past president of the La Porte Business Girls, and volunteered with the American Cancer Society, serving as the adult advisor for Teens Against Cancer, La Porte County Chapter.

She loved going dancing with Ray, gardening and baking beautiful wedding cakes to order. Her flower arrangements, cakes and peach pie always won blue ribbons at the fair, and she was thrilled when her pie recipe was published in the fair cookbook.

At the age of 87, Patricia was interviewed by the Herald-Argus because she was still working out at the YMCA. Her children and her grandchildren, who she was very actively involved with throughout their lives, were her passion, and she will be lovingly missed by all.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Allen (Carol) Harder of Terre Haute, Indiana, Susan Rae Harder-Swank of Beech Grove, Indiana, Timothy Lee Harder of Chicago, Illinois, and Lonnie Patrick (Stacy) Harder of Granger, Indiana; eight grandchildren, David (Harmony) Frey, Daniel (Tabitha) Frey, Steven Ray (Amy) Swank, Michael David Swank, Brittany (Brian) Bays, Tyler Harder, Gabby (Jason) Girvan and Michael (Jordan) Koebel; six great-grandchildren, William, Aria, Shepherd, Oliver, Zoey and Layla; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband of 63 years, Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother, Robert Gillham; and sisters, infant Mary Gillham and Betty Jean Patek.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, Indiana, where the family will receive friends for a visitation Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Vale, officiating. Interment will follow at the Union Mills Cemetery, Union Mills, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made in Patricia's name to the First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., La Porte, IN 46350; or the American Cancer Society, 150 S Wacker Dr. #2100, Chicago, IL 60606.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstock funeralhome.com.