Patricia Schabbing

Patricia "Pat" Josephine Schabbing, 84, went on to her heavenly home Friday, June 30, 2023. She was surrounded by loving family and laughter in her final hours. She was born in Kelso, Missouri, Sept. 19, 1938, daughter of Toney and Mary Scherer, both deceased.

Pat married her childhood sweetheart, Charles Schabbing, who she met in the first grade. They were married Jan. 30, 1960, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau.

Pat attended St. Mary Grade School, Notre Dame High School and Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in home economics and music. She taught fifth grade for two years at St. Mary's School, from 1958 to 1960. She competed in many piano contests, some of which were at Fontbonne College in St. Louis. Pat played piano professionally for five years, in addition to being a private piano teacher since 1954. She had a passion for her music and loved teaching both children and adults of all ages. Many times, she would be called upon to just listen to their problems and troubles. She was a good mentor to her students. She left behind many wonderful, talented students. She taught children with disabilities to play, enjoying the challenges it presented. Some of her students called her "Mom."

Pat was a member of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church of Jackson. She was active in many bible studies, one of which was BSF. Both she and her "Charlie," enjoyed their Sunday evening bible study with good friends, great food and wonderful fellowship.

She was an avid reader, especially spending time with God's word. She had a great love for her Lord and Savior, calling upon Him daily for guidance, strength and direction. Her prayer life was especially important to her. She listened for that still, small voice that guided her daily. She was a prayer warrior for those who asked for prayer and was not afraid to share her faith in the Lord with others.

She loved cooking for her family. It was so much fun for her to get her family together and cook large meals for them. It gave her a great deal of satisfaction and pride to have her family together. Pat loved making crafts, oil painting and scrap-booking for her family.

Pat was a devoted wife and mother. Her family always came first before outside activities. She tried to set a good example for her children and grandchildren, teaching them good moral values and the importance of the Lord in their lives. She enjoyed babysitting for her grandchildren and had many laughs about her experiences with them.

Four granddaughters lived next door, so she enjoyed watching them grow up on the farm, helping their dad and grandpa, Charlie. All 11 of her grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren gave her immense joy, and she was very proud of their accomplishments.

Loving survivors include her beloved husband, Charlie; five sons, David (Annette) of the family farm in Cape Girardeau; Michael of Seattle, Washington; Steve (Michele) of Gordonville; Chris (Mary) of Lexington, Kentucky; and Matt (Angie) of Shawneetown; 11 grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Brockmire, Erica (Jacob) Pierce, Veronica (Chris) Allen, Victoria (Caleb) Dienstbach, Alex, Sabrina and Hannah Schabbing, Collin (Haley) Schabbing, Tanner (Hannah) Schabbing, and Canyon Schabbing and Hunter McCann; as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister, Darlene (David) Summers; many nieces and nephews; and one brother-in-law, Bill (Carol) Schabbing.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; two brothers, Anthony and Joseph; and her daughter-in-law, Ruth Schabbing.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating.

Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.