Patsy L. "Pat" Champion

June 12, 1934 - October 13, 2019

Patsy L. “Pat” Champion, age, 85, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2019, in Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, IN. She was born on Tuesday, June 12, 1934, in Benton, IL, the daughter of Harold and Marie (Carter) Harben. Pat attended school in Benton and was a graduate of Benton High School Class of 1952. She continued on with her education by completing 1 year of nursing in St. Louis, MO. She was united in marriage to Donald Clayton Champion on Saturday, July 11, 1953, in Benton, IL and together they have shared over 66 years of marriage. Her working career was with her husband, Don. They owned and operated the Mt. Vernon Dental Laboratory in Mt. Vernon, IL from 1956 until 1996. They worked with many of the area dentist creating bridges, partials and dentures. Soon after her retirement she started volunteering at the Veteran’s Hospital in Marion, IL in the dental department. With her long working career in dental she brought so much knowledge, the Veteran’s Hospital convinced her to start working a minimum of 3 days a week, a position she served in for the next 6 years. She was a very active member of the First Methodist Church of West Frankfort for many years and served as President of the church board several years. Pat loved animals, especially dogs, and supported several organizations focused on the prevention of cruelty to animals. She enjoyed managing her home and seeing to the needs of her husband. She loved spending time with her extended family and many friends and cherished the many memories that were created. She is survived by her husband, Donald C. “Don” Champion of West Frankfort; sister, Shirley Williams of Benton; brother, Richard “Dick” Harben of Kerrville, TX, a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Doris Rogers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar Street, West Frankfort, IL. The visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Lance Leeds presiding. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “The Franklin County Animal Shelter” and mailed in care of Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL 62896. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-932-2161.