Patricia Rose (Luttrell) Shank, 76, passed away at her home on May 30, 2022, after an extended illness. Pat was born on November 18, 1945, in Kokomo, IN, daughter of the late George and Thelma Luttrell. She graduated from Kokomo High School in 1964. Pat went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in 1969 and a master’s degree in elementary education as well as a special education certification in 1972 all from Ball State University.
Pat lived a life dedicated to serving and loving others as a dedicated and well-respected teacher in the Richmond Community Schools. During her career, Pat taught special needs preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grades at Nicholson Elementary School, Baxter Elementary School, Garrison Elementary School, and Vaile Elementary School, as well as being a substitute teacher in a variety of schools. Pat served as a leader within her school in various roles. She was respected and admired by her students, their families, as well as her colleagues and administrators at RCS because of her servant’s heart, kindness, selflessness, and ability to reach even the most challenging students.
Pat loved her family very deeply, especially the love of her life, Van. They enjoyed nearly 48 years of marriage. Pat was exceptionally proud of her three children, Lara, Amanda, and Bradley and the people they have become. She took great joy and pride in loving her six grandchildren through the time she spent with them in Richmond, at their homes, on vacations, and at special events and sporting events. Pat had the incredible talent of making each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. She loved rocking them as babies, playing board games, doing puzzles, listening to their stories, reading books to them, and could even be found on the pitching mound during some serious wiffle ball games or throwing the football in the backyard with her grandsons.
Pat remained in close contact with all of her siblings and is very loved by each of them. Pat was very involved with her church family at First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, served in various leadership positions and in youth and children’s ministries. Pat also loved studying and discussing God’s Word in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and served as a children’s leader in BSF. She loved hosting parties and spending time with friends.
Pat is survived by her beloved husband Van Shank of Richmond, IN, daughters Lara (Scott) Blomberg of Avon, IN, Amanda (Andrew) Lee of Eaton, OH, and Bradley (Kelly) Shank of Chapin, SC; grandchildren William, Noah, and Hannah Blomberg; Braydan and Avery Lee, and Callan Shank; siblings Lew (Dottye) Luttrell of Naperville, IL, Linda (Jeff) Saul of Kokomo, IN, Art (Mindy) Luttrell of Kokomo, IN, Michael (Corrie) Luttrell of Indianapolis, IN; cousins Marchia (Don) Strebin and Michael (Pam) Craig; and sister-in-law Janel (Tom) Needs as well as many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Pat was preceded in death by parents George and Thelma Luttrell; sister Judith Luttrell, and brothers Wayne Luttrell and Garry Luttrell, and aunt and uncle Victor and Ruby Craig.
A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 1601 South A Street. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, June 28 prior to the celebration of life at First Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, financial donations may be given to the First Baptist Church memorial fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.