Patty L. Widing

Pat Widing, age 72, of Merrillville, passed away Friday, January 8, 2010. She is survived by Ron Widing, her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 54 years. Together they had two children: Dottie (Tom) Williams of Crown Point and Ron Widing of Merrillville. She is also survived by grandchildren: Ben, Luke and Sadie Williams; sisters: Stella Rodriguez and Cathy (John) Deppe; nephew: Michael (Stephanie) Rodriguez, Lloyd Rodriguez and Ryan Deppe; niece Shannon Deppe; great nephew Nicholas Deppe and many close friends. Pat devoted her life to her marriage, family and community. She served as a dedicated volunteer, activist and public servant. She was elected to the Ross Township Board in 1994 and served in that capacity until her passing. She was selected as the state of Indiana’s Outstanding Township Board Member in 2001. She assisted in the incorporation of the Town of Merrillville 1970-71 and was cited as a Merrillville “Charter Citizen” by Merrillville’s first Town Council. She served as a Merrillville precinct committee person for nine years. Pat was a Girl Scout leader for 17 years at all levels, serving on the Board of Directors, as Neighborhood Chairperson, Cookie Chairperson, Day Camp Director, and Unit Leader. She started the first Special Needs Troop of Girls and Boys. Pat raised funds for the Independence Hill Library and helped form the “Friends of The Library”. She was a charter member of “Contact Cares” and volunteered for their “Rap Line”. She was active in her local homeowners’ associations and led the fight against Lincoln Utilities rate increases. She served as a PTA – PTO Board Member and Room Mother and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, “In-Pact” and Merrillville Girls Softball. She served as the fund-raising chairperson for the Merrillville/Ross Township Veterans Memorial. She was the Merrillville Herald newspaper’s first “Woman of the Year” and received awards from the Girl Scouts, Merrillville Girls Softball and “In-Pact” for her outstanding service. Pat Widing’s life may be best explained by Erma Bombeck’s quote, “When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say I used everything you gave me.” Pat gave Merrillville/Ross Township everything she could, and made it a better community in the process. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. Friends and relatives may visit with the family on Monday, January 11, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.at the Burns Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Calumet Park Cemetery/Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, Pat requested donations to the Merrillville/Ross Township Veterans’ Memorial, c/o Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway.

Patty L. Widing

October 14, 1937 - January 8, 2010