Patricia Houser, 94, of Ashland, IL, died Monday, August 21, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

She was born Sept. 25, 1928, in Ashland, the daughter of Samuel and Phoebe (Dunkel) Danenberger, Sr. She married E. Lee Houser on July 27, 1951, in Ashland, and he preceded her in death on Sept 17, 2007.

She is survived by one son, Michael Houser of Springfield; two daughters, Juliann Baker of Effingham (deceased husband, Bill), and Johanna (Bill) Betters of Ashland; six grandchildren, Justus (Stephanie) Fortado of Champaign, Jordan (Michelle) Fortado of Effingham, JP (Karren) Fortado of Tuscola, Jessica (Ernie) Lazos of Clarksville, TN, Phoebe (Eric) Rothe of Ashland, and Molly Betters of Ashland; nine great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Sally (Owen) Long of Ashland; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; seven brothers; and three sisters.

Mrs. Houser was a 1946 graduate of Ashland High School. Prior to her marriage, she had worked for the State of Illinois. She had also worked for several grocery stores including Danenbergers in New Berlin and Jones Boys Market and Allen's Market, both in Ashland. Pat was a member of the Ashland United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of United Methodist Women and the Dorcas Circle. She was also a member of Ashland Women's Club. She helped found Ashland Food Pantry, Ashland Community Transportation Service, and Ashland Community Thanksgiving Baskets. She was a former Girl Scout Leader and had coached Girls Summer League Softball. She was honored as Ashland First Citizen in 1989 and was inducted into the AHS Alumni Hall of Fame in 1992.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Ashland United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Ashland Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Ashland Food Pantry or Prairie Skies Public Library. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.