Patricia Elaine (Hedrick) Croley

Patricia Elaine (Hedrick) Croley, surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully from this earth Sunday morning, July 28, 2019 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. Pat had been in ill health, the past two years following a stroke and had been attended by the caring staff at Bickford Memory Care in Crawfordsville during that time.

Pat was born September 16, 1942 at Yountsville, Indiana to Eddie and Thelma (Elliott) Hedrick. She spent her first eighteen years growing up on the family farm east of Alamo along with her nine siblings. A 1960 graduate of Alamo High School, Pat won distinction as senior president and valedictorian. She lettered three years as cheerleader and won many awards including Girls’ State and the Montgomery County DAR award.

Pat matriculated to Indiana State University as a physical education major and was a member of ISU’s nationally ranked tumbling team. She was graduated magna cum laude in 1964. Later she earned her master’s degree, elementary education and special education licenses.

Pat married Morris Leon Croley October 24, 1963 at Alamo Christian Church. The couple resided in Rockville, Indiana and both taught school and coached for the next thirty years. Pat spent most of those years teaching at Cayuga Elementary School.  After retiring they relocated to New Port Richey, Florida, and spent many years golfing, gardening, and enjoying the Florida sunshine. Both were members of Indiana Retired Teaches’ Association.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Kirby) Reed of Orlando Florida; grandsons, Adam (Iris) Yowell of Reno, Nevada and Julian Wright of Wausau, Wisconsin.

Pat’s surviving siblings are Kay Richardson of New Ross, Indiana, Barbara Burris, Dotti Sheehan, Ed (Mary) Hedrick, Frank (Adursula) Hedrick, John (Debra) Hedrick, and Mickie (Brian) Beck all of Crawfordsville, Indiana. Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews survive.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Croley, her parents Eddie and Thelma Hedrick, two sisters, Carol Hedrick Devitt, and Lois Hedrick Rash.

Pat was a great climber, meaning she loved to climb trees, barn rafters, jungle gyms, whatever stood before her as a challenge. Nimble as a wiry athlete, Pat, with tremendous courage and grace, climbed her final mountain and nailed a perfectly flawless landing at the wide open, welcoming, pearly gates.

Pat’s graciousness, knowing radiant smile and her great wisdom are lovingly remembered by all who are fortunate to have known her. Her indomitable spirit is planted deep within us all.

No funeral service will be held. A memorial celebration dinner will take place at the Hedrick family farm in September during Pat’s birthday week.  Sanders Priebe Funeral Care of Crawfordsville is assisting the family.  Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com