Obituary for Patricia A. “Pat” Althouse

Patricia A. “Pat” Althouse, 84 passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on
Sunday, June 16, 2024. Pat was born in Marion, Ohio on March 20, 1940, to Cora
(Earhart) and Howard L. Hostetter. Pat was a graduate of Upper Sandusky High School with the class of 1959. She married Richard Althouse on January 20, 1962, and they went on to establish
Althouse Farms in Eden Township. Pat and Richard were married for 60 years until
his passing in February 2022. She is preceded in death by her only brother, Howard L. “Roy” Hostetter and son-in-law Keith Best. Pat is survived by 3 daughters Victoria Best, Powell, Anita (Herbert) Berger,
Nashville, TN, Amy Jo (Stephen) Singer, Powell, 6 grandchildren Richard Tyler,
Kathryn and Ryan Best, Mitchell Berger, Collin and Andrew Singer, a brother-in-law
James Althouse, a sister-in-law Carol Ann Hostetter, and two nieces Stacey (Roy)
Conley, and Lori (Kent) McGuire. Pat’s life revolved around her family home and the fifth-generation farm business. In addition to her passion for history, she enjoyed spending time with her
grandchildren, watching the Buckeyes, and giving back to the community. A
member of Trinity United Church of Christ for over 60 years, she also participated
in the women’s guild for years. In her younger years, she was an excellent bowler
and traveled across Ohio with her bowling team. She would tell you her greatest passion was volunteering and community service. In addition to leading and chairing several community events in Wyandot County,
she also had a gift for getting other people involved. Pat was a visionary leader
and volunteered for events including Upper Family Festival, Upper’s Relay for Life,
Chair of the Upper Sesquicentennial Celebration, and a member of Parker Bridge
“Cross over the Bridge again” committee. At Wyandot Memorial Hospital, she
frequently volunteered with the hospital guild. Decorating and designing were
two of her amazing artistic talents and she enjoyed decorating Christmas trees
and wreaths for the hospital lobby and holiday bazaars. Pat was masterful at
collaborating with Upper’s city leadership to plan the towns holiday decorations.
Those who knew Pat know that one of her proudest accomplishments was
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights at Harrison Smith Park. She approached Mayor
Kenneth Richardson in 1997 with the idea of a holiday light display in the park,
which set in motion today’s marvelous display of holiday lights. The Winter
Fantasy of Lights has made Upper Sandusky a destination and has become a
holiday tradition where volunteers, businesses, and visitors can give back to the
local community. Her dedication to making a difference in the community led to
her recognition of “Citizen of the Year” in 2007. This was a very humbling award
for Pat and her family was immensely proud of her accomplishments.
Funeral services for Pat will be held at Bringman Clark Funeral Home at 10:30AM
on Friday, June 21, 2024, with Pastor Brad McKibben officiating. Interment will
follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4:00-
7:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions can be made to Trinity
United Church of Christ or Wyandot County Historical Society in care of Bringman
Clark Funeral Home, 226 E. Wyandot Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351. To extend
a condolence or memory visit www.BringmanClark.com