Patricia Ann Upton, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on July 17, 2026, in Dayton, OH. She was born on August 30, 1948, in Maryville, Tennessee and spent her early years in historic Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. Patricia’s journey led her from Tennessee to Ohio, where she built a life filled with purpose and love for her family. She graduated from Trotwood Madison High School and studied at Sinclair Community College. Patricia worked in healthcare, starting with St. Elizabeth Hospital in 1980. She obtained certifications as a Nursing and Medical Assistant. In her 30-year career, she worked in several specialty areas such as OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Surgery, ENT, Dermatology and Pediatrics. She also coordinated patient medication assistance programs which she found rewarding in every way. Those blessed to share in Patricia’s life will remember her generosity and a spirit defined by compassion that extended beyond her family into the lives of her friends and community.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Florence Pendergrass; her partners, John T. Fecke and Joe Rosemont; and her precious granddaughter Milla Shea Fecke.

She is survived by her children: Tracy Flathmann and partner Ulli Flathmann, John Fecke and partner Alie Keegan, Dan Fecke and partner Crystal Cox, and Caitlyn Pendergrass and partner Seth O’Dell. Patricia’s compassion will be carried forward by her grandchildren Markus, Lydia, Lilly, Connor, Alayah, Grayson and Fern. She is also survived by her brothers Don, Dale and Gary Pendergrass.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the ZERKLE FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest next to her parents at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. The family is honored to have Don Pendergrass, John Fecke, Dan Fecke, Ulli Flathmann and Seth O’Dell serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Patricia’s memory to Hospice of Dayton , 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zerklefh.com.