Patsy Ann Polete

Patsy Ann Polete (Millikan), 86, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026.

Pat, as she was lovingly known by most who knew her, was an amazing lady whose life was centered around her faith and, above all else, her family. She loved her family with all her heart and found her greatest joy in the people she loved. To those closest to her, she was affectionately known simply as “Ma,” a name that represented a lifetime of love, comfort, guidance, and cherished memories.

Pat was a woman of strong faith who carried her beliefs with her throughout her life. Her faith was an important part of who she was and helped guide the way she lived, loved, and cared for others.

She was the loving mother of Michele (Robert) Allard and Ricky (Pauline) Polete.

Pat is survived by one sister, Janice Millikan-Angel, one niece Kristy (CJ) Grouse, and one nephew Jeff Jewel.

Her family grew to include five grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Christopher (Jessica) Landers, Stephanie (Scott) Peterein, Tara Landers, Joshua (Mackenzie) Polete, and Elizabeth Block.

She was also a proud great-grandmother to Audrey Peterein, Anthony Peterein, Kenneth (Gabrielle) Peterein, David Landers, Kayden Rains, Madigan Landers, Konor Rains, Shelby Peterein, Miles Landers, Oliver Landers, Jaycion Block, Kali Gibbs, Berkley Polete, and Evan Polete.

Pat was blessed to welcome her first great-great-grandchild, Walker Peterein, before her passing. Becoming a great-great-grandmother was another special chapter in a life filled with family, love, and memories.

Pat had a creative spirit and loved making beautiful flower arrangements and decorating. She had a special gift for turning ordinary things into something beautiful, much like the way she brought beauty, warmth, and love into the lives of the people around her.

Family was truly the center of Pat’s world. She gave her love wholeheartedly and never needed a reason to care for the people she loved. Her family will remember her not only for the things she did, but for the way she made them feel—loved, cared for, valued, and important.

Pat was preceded in death by her mother and father; her grandparents; aunts and uncles; and one nephew.

While her family will feel the tremendous emptiness left by her passing, they can find comfort in knowing that the love she gave them will never be lost. It will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, carried forward through every generation she touched.

Pat’s memory will be cherished, her life will be celebrated, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Though she is no longer with her family in person, the love she gave so freely will remain with them forever.

During her final months, Pat was surrounded by compassionate care and unwavering support from her devoted private in-home caregivers and the team at Hospice of Southern Illinois. Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness, comfort, and dignity they provided.

Her legacy is not simply the years she lived, but the love she gave, the family she built, the faith she carried, and the countless memories she left behind.

Rest peacefully, Ma. You were loved more than words could ever say, and you will be missed more than words could ever express.

A memorial service honoring Patsy will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 401 N. 15th St., Murphysboro, Illinois.

Ministry of Comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.