Patricia “Patty” Jean Perez, 77 of Galesburg, passed away at 9:42 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.
She was born February 20, 1943 in Avon, the daughter of John and Norma Jean (Powell) Byerly. She married Ronald “Stash” Stambaugh. She later married Frank Perez.
Patty is survived by seven sons, Joe (Sarah) Stambaugh of Beason, Toby Stambaugh of Abingdon, Doug (Stacy) Stambaugh of Galesburg, Jason (Julianna) Perez of Muscatine, Iowa, Zach Perez of Glendale, Arizona, Steve (Ronna) Perez of Galesburg, and Victor Perez of Galesburg; one daughter, Jacqueline Friemel of Davenport, Iowa; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Duane (Judy) Byerly of Galesburg; and two sisters, Mary Jane (Sal) Cacchiotti of Rhode Island and Linda Clennan of Canada.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husbands, and one brother, John M. Byerly.
She grew up in Abingdon and graduated from Abingdon High School in 1961. She worked at Admiral/Maytag for 34 years, retiring in 2005 when the factory closed. She also had her own cleaning business. She lived in Galesburg most of her adult life. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Galesburg. She was a very crafty person and had her own ceramic shop, where she made artware and painted the pieces. She was a NASCAR fan and went to many races. She loved to travel. Most importantly, she loved her family and enjoyed time spent with them.
Cremation was accorded. Graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021, her birthday, at the Abingdon Cemetery. Pastor Ethan Vidjecan will officiate. Family and friends will continue to celebrate her life at the Abingdon American Legion after the graveside service. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, facemasks, social distancing and attendance guidelines associated with Illinois Phase 4 will apply to both events. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund or to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Doug Stambaugh, 1548 Florence Ave., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
