Patricia P. Tjarks, age 72 of Urbana passed away at 6:38 am, Monday, June 29, 2009 at home.

Patricia (Pat) was born on March 23, 1937 in Urbana, a daughter of State Representative Leo and Doris Mitchell Pfeffer. She married Ken Tjarks on June 12, 2007.

She is survived by her husband, Ken, two sons, Daniel D. Bates, Jr. (Glenda) and Stephen P. Bates (Carol) and four daughters, Debra A. Kamradt, Kathleen M. Ard, Theresa S. McNew (Gene) and Laura F. Jackson (Jeff), twenty grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She also has three step daughters, Ruth Jass (Rick), Karen Tjarks, Mary (David) Rudd and five step grandchildren. Pat is also survived by two sisters: Barbara Foran of Monticello and Kay Stevens of Hopkinsville, Kentucky and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a great grandchild.

There will be a funeral mass at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake church in Mahomet, Illinois. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering in church hall from 4-7 p.m.

Pat graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield, in 1954. She worked many years as a legal secretary at the Hatch Law firm and retired July of 2007. Her love and passion, besides her family, was being a Mary Kay Director for over 20 years. She also loved being a part of Toastmasters groups in Michigan and Illinois.

Pat loved spending time with her family, many friends, knitting, coloring and laughing or crying while watching a good movie. She especially loved traveling with her wonderful husband and best friend Ken. Her favorite place to be was in her backyard where Ken spent many years beautifying the area. She always had a joke and would reach out to all those in need. She worked hard, played hard and loved living life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Lake church or Carle Hospice.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.