Patricia Compoe

Patricia Ann Compoe, age 83 years of Niles, Michigan died on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the home of her daughter in Niles, surrounded by love. She was born February 25, 1932 in Niles to Eldon and Gladys (Leatherman) Cummins.

Pat graduated from Niles High School in 1950 with plans to attend business college. That plan was thwarted when she met the one and only man in the world for her, Raymond W. Compoe. They were married August 19, 1950 and enjoyed 42 treasured years together before his death on September 13, 1991. Also preceding her in death were her parents; parents-in-law, Frank and Martha Compoe; and three stillborn children, Donald, Douglas and Susan Compoe.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Sandra Ann (& Allen Mabie) Larkin-Hall of Niles; grandsons, Jonathan (& Dana) Rudolph of Ypsilanti, Michigan and Benjamin (& Kim) Rudolph of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; six great-grandchildren, Kody, Jillian and Brandon Rudolph, Marcus and Gary Vigil and David Rudolph; and three great-great-grandchildren, Elijah, Claire and Ariah Vigil, as well has her brother and best friend, Ellsworth Cummins of Niles.

Pat was a stay-at-home mom until her daughter, Sandy, was in high school. During that time she was a room mother, Brownie Troop and Girl Scout leader, 4-H leader and never missed a class trip with her daughter. She was a talented seamstress, making many of the clothes for herself and her daughter. Pat then went to work, first at J.C. Penny in Niles and then at First National Bank in Niles, retiring March 1, 1996 after many years of enjoying her customers, many of whom would step out of line to wait until they could approach Pat’s window to be helped.

While her beloved husband Ray was still alive, they enjoyed going out dining and dancing on weekends, spending time at their cottage on Acker Lake in Hesperia, Michigan or working side by side in their large vegetable garden (unless she saw a snake).

Pat was a devoted and doting mother and grandmother, always there to offer support and encouragement. She was “Mom” to several of her daughter’s friends. To say she was a “social butterfly” would be an understatement. Her heart was large and loving and her large circle of friends want it to be known what a special friend she was and how they treasured that friendship. She looked forward to her “High School Girls” get-togethers and enjoyed going out for a meal with her friends or her brother (sometimes three times in the same day with a different friend each time), or having a friend over for a beer on the deck. Beneath her beautiful smile and sense of wit and humor was a strong woman who gracefully met life’s challenges head-on. Pat died as she had lived…with dignity, courage and grace.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Patricia Ann Compoe will be held at 11:30a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Halbritter Funeral Home with Marcus Vigil, great-gandson of Pat, officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00a.m. until the time of service. Donations in memory of Pat may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the organization of choice.