Patricia Nelson Church's Obituary
Mrs. Patricia Nelson Church, age 92, passed away Wednesday morning, May 7, 2008, at a local hospital in Muskegon. She was born in Detroit on January 29, 1916, to Walter Morrow and Rilla (Amsbury) Nelson. Pat lived most of her adult life in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband of over 50 years, James “Burt” Church, and spent many summers in Pentwater, MI, before moving permanently to Pentwater 3 years ago. Early in their partnership, the Churches were professional ballroom dancers, traveling to do shows and teaching others how to dance. While living in Los Angeles, Pat owned a dress shop; subsequently, she and her husband owned and operated the Hancock House Restaurant in Pentwater. Pat enjoyed writing poetry and short stories. She loved music, playing the piano, and singing. She excelled in tennis and swimming, winning championships in both sports during high school. Later in her life, Pat became very fond of the card game Skip-Bo, and there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t play. Pat is survived by her loving children, James Nelson (Barbara) Church, Chris (William) Retert, Valerie (Frederick) Church-McHugh and Terry Patricia Church and 4 grandchildren, Kimberly Retert, William Scott Retert, Halley Church-McHugh, and MacKenzie Church-McHugh. Pat also leaves her niece, Mary (David) Dornseif, and nephews Bill (Jeannie) Nelson and David Nelson. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Burt” Church, her brother, Darwin Nelson, and his wife, Margaret Nelson. PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICES will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Pat to the Pentwater Historical Society, the Nature Conservancy or the Alzheimer’s Association are greatly appreciated.
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