Patricia Ellen (Sowers) Hadley

Patricia Ellen (Sowers) Hadley,73, passed away peacefully in her home on June 8, 2025 with her husband of 52 years, John David Hadley, cat Moose, and dog Pork Chop by her side. 

She was preceded in death by her parents – William Sowers, Wilma (Smith, Sowers) Seybold, Gene Seybold, and is survived by surrogate mother Lee Burton. 

She and David raised three girls - Shannon Marie Tester, Brianne Hadley Grace, and Corinne Michelle Hadley.  She doted on her four grandchildren – Alexis Marie (Waterman) Marley, Cade David Tester, Finian John Patrick Grace, and Declan Conor Grace, and two great grandchildren - Baylor Patrick Marley and Braylee Marie Marley.

Patty was born on October 6, 1951 and was raised in Franklin, Illinois.  She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1973 with a Bachelor’s degree in physical education.  Patty participated in numerous collegiate athletics including field hockey and swimming.  While attending developed a love for sports and a passion for volleyball especially.  She and David were married in Franklin Illinois on July 21, 1973 and set down roots in David’s hometown of Nokomis, IL.  She started working at Nokomis High School in the fall of 1973 teaching health, physical education, driver's education, special needs, and coaching volleyball.  Patty was permanently injured in 1989, playing the volleyball sport that she loved, which sadly cut her teaching and coaching careers short.

Patty loved her animals with all her being.  She was passionate about vibrant colors, little twinkling lights, and bringing out the beauty of the objects around her. She crafted beautiful quilts, which her family will cherish forever and helped her cope with the constant pain.  The grandchildren would tell you that she gave the best and most interesting gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  She may not be with us any longer, but knowing that she is now pain free is healing to her family. 

There will be a place to gather for family condolences at The Vault (Old IGA in Nokomis) on June15, 2025 from noon until 4:00 pm with a light lunch. A brief eulogy will be read by Reverend Myron Kirk at 2:00 pm. The family requests donations, in lieu of flowers, be sent to Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home, 200 East State Street, Nokomis, IL 62075.

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