Patricia M. McCleary

Patricia M. McCleary, 76, of Bourbon, MO, passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.

Patricia Marie was born in St. Louis, MO, March 31, 1944, to Nicholas Peter and Ruth Catherine (Benisch) Reiter. She grew up and attended school in St. Louis and graduated from St. John the Baptist High School, Class of 1962. That same year, Patsy was united in marriage to Ron Wilkens and to this union two children were born, Ronald Jr. and Nikki. Patsy was employed at SW Bell Co. and then ACIC Government Mapping Agency. While raising her family, Patsy also worked as a secretary for many years. Ron and Patsy eventually divorced. 

Patsy was united in marriage to J.R. McCleary on August 16, 1986. Together, they were employed with Connelly Roofing for several years. They resided at their home in Bourbon since the early 80’s, where Patsy was able to enjoy their farm, her flowers, and just looking out her window at nature. In her later years, Patsy drove a school bus for the Bourbon School District. 

Patsy enjoyed road trips, being in the water, especially at the Meramec river and going up to Alton. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them. Patsy will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family and friends.

Patsy is survived by one son, Ron Wilkens, of Bourbon, MO; one daughter, Nikki Bantle, of St. Louis, MO; three grandchildren: Colleen Lujan and husband, Alejandro, of Steelville, MO, Wyatt Wilkens and significant other, Sierra Johanning, of Bourbon, MO, and Daniel Wilkens of Festus, MO; four great-grandchildren: Victoria, Jazmyn, Presley and Karoline Lujan; two brothers, David Reiter and wife, Lynn, of Phoenix, AZ, and Larry Reiter and wife, Debbie, of Fenton, MO; one sister, RuthAnn Kuethe and husband, Wayne, of Cuba, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, J.R.; and one brother, Steve Reiter.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Friends may send online condolences to Patsy’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.