Patsy M. Elkins

Patsy M. Elkins, 72, entered into Heaven’s gates on July 24, 2022, at home in Eau Claire. She was born Feb. 4, 1950, in Batesville, Ark.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 28, at Bright Star Tabernacle, Eau Claire. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the service at 12 noon. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Berrien Center. Memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice, 5220 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. Memories at www.bowermanfuneral.com.

Patsy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend who was full of love and had a zest for life. She knew no stranger and had a love for people and her family. Anytime someone had a death in their family, she would be on their doorstep with a couple of her special dishes for them. She was famous at gatherings and church potlucks for her homemade chicken and dumplings, and you could count on the pan being empty.

She not only raised her children but helped raise most of her younger brothers and sisters. When she wasn’t working outside the home, you could find her in her garden, watering her flowers or feeding her birds.

She volunteered at the yearly Veterans program, and she attended Bright Star Tabernacle with her husband of 55 years.

Patsy is survived by her husband, Ralph W. Elkins Jr.; son, Randy Elkins; daughters, Kathy Arend and Melissa (Chris) Conaway; four grandchildren: Kayla, Jayce, Kasey Arend and Carter Conaway; brothers: Morris, Tom and Mike Canard; sisters: Arlene Bobo, Wilma Miller, Judy Huizenga; like-a-sister, Nancy Garski; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Hattie Canard; and a son, David Elkins.