Obituaries

Patricia “Pat” Carole Bartley (nee Putkonen) passed away on Oct. 25,

2026, surrounded in love and comfort by extended family members after

a brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt

and friend, Pat was a longtime resident of Wayne, IL, before retiring

with her husband to Branson, MO.

Born on April 4, 1940, in Chicago to Virginia (nee Leonhard) and Leo

Putkonen, Pat attended nursing school at the Illinois Masonic Hospital,

in Chicago. She worked as surgical nurse until she married John Norman

Bartley in 1960.

After initially residing in Hanover Park, IL, Pat and Jack moved to

Wayne in 1961, where they remained for 46 years, raising three

daughters, Cathy, Carol and Cheri. Devoted to her role as a mother, Pat

enjoyed being involved in her children’s school activities, and took on

roles including room mother, assistant teacher, Girl Scout Leader, and

President of the PTA. A proud resident of the Wayne community, she

enjoyed volunteering at many hometown events, particularly the Flag

Day parade and ice cream socials, which were among her favorites.

Once her daughters were grown, Pat moved into a new career as a

realtor working for Kettley & Co. in Geneva and Castle Keep Real

Estate in Wayne.

Pat was very dedicated member of Jobs Daughters International, a

Masonic-affiliated leadership organization for girls and young women.

During her lengthy tenure with Jobs Daughters, she earned several

achievements including being named Honored Queen of Bethel #7

Chicago at age 16. Later, she earned the rank of Bethel Guardian at #61

Elgin, and Past Grand Bethel Guardian of The State of Illinois. She was

also a recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple, the highest honor given

in Job’s Daughters.

She was also a long-time supporter of the Medinah Shriners Children’s

Hospital in Chicago.

As her family grew to include several grandchildren and great-

grandchildren, Pat continued to love hosting special events, gatherings

and holidays in her home, with Christmas being her favorite. She always

wanted to make sure her home was open to all her loved ones and their

friends.

She also enjoyed a talent for cooking. This caught the attention of the

Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge where she would cook and serve

meals after the monthly meetings.

In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her three daughters:

Catherine Schmidt, Carol (William) Keller, and Cheryl “Cheri” (Barry)

Lassiter.; 10 grandchildren: Jeremy Schmidt, James Schmidt, Jonathan

(Natalie) Schmidt, Ryan (Hannah) Schmidt, Alex (Samantha) Schmidt,

William II (Stephanie) Keller, Heidi (Ryan) Skilling, Heather Verling,

Haley Lassiter, and Barry Lassiter. She is also survived by 9 great-

grandchildren, Ava, Sofia, Kaitlyn, Audrey, William, George, Henry,

Taylor and Emma; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Thomas Frew Sr.,

and two brothers Leo and David Putkonen.

Per her wish, she will be interred near her father at Acacia Park

Cemetery in Norridge, IL.

Visitation will be held Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M at Yurs Funeral Home

St. Charles. Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home

Burial will be at Acacia Park Cemetery Chicago.

For further information call Yurs Funeral Home St. Charles 630-584-0060

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