Patricia Arlene Kruger passed away on 11/18/24 at her home in Richland, WA. Her faith in God and her dedication to her family sustained her throughout her life. Patricia was born on December 20, 1931, in Kennard, NE to Catherine and Lloyd Akins. Her father, after farming and initially selling insurance obtained work from Meredith Publishing Co. and sold Successful Farming magazine which required travel throughout Minnesota and surrounding states. Patricia’s was raised with 2 brothers, Ed and Dick, in a 24 ft. leather coated trailer that sometimes moved several times a year. As a child, she and her brothers met many new friends and played in the Minnesota woods, which gave her an enduring love for the outdoors. When Patricia was 12, her younger sister Sandy was born and the family moved to a rented house in Hastings, MN, then later to a home in Elgin, Il.

Patricia went to high school in Elgin and graduated as a Fashion Illustrator from Vogue School of Design and Interior Decorating in Chicago, where she was president of her dormitory. Her entire family was artistic, and she designed and sewed most of her clothes while in school. During the spring 1954, while finishing her senior year, she met Owen L. Kruger at a college party, and they were married later that year. She used her talents sewing her wedding dress and honeymoon outfits.

After marriage Patricia traveled to Washington State, while her husband was stationed at Ft. Lewis. They returned to the Chicago area in 1957 where Patricia worked as an illustrator, clerk and did occasional modeling. In 1968 the family moved to Columbus, OH, and Patricia did fashion illustration for Lazarus Department Store. In 1974 they moved to Richland, WA.

Early on, the family enjoyed long tent and trailer camping trips throughout the U.S. and when the children married, they traveled to see their children’s families every year. After retirement, their travel increased to include numerous Elderhostel and overseas trips. In later years, they enjoyed taking their motorhome to state parks and camping.

Patricia was a talented homemaker and had 4 children. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved and enjoyed her family and encouraged and supported them in all their activities. She designed and sewed many of the children’s clothes and Halloween costumes. With her drawing talent, she designed and drew up plans for their home in Richland and followed the construction, while the home was being built. Patricia had a wonderful personality and many friends. She loved to garden and never met a flower she didn’t like. She was past secretary and president of the Garden Genies. For many years she enjoyed playing bridge every week with her close friends. In later years, having survived several life-threatening medical ordeals, she always had an upbeat and positive attitude. She was always willing to help and will be deeply missed.

Patricia & Owen celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year with many nieces and nephews. She is survived by Owen and their 3 children, Dale (Melani) Kruger of Anchorage, AK, Teresa (Chip – deceased) Stimpson of San Jose, CA, and Robert (Maria) Kruger of Kennewick, WA, and her younger sister Sandra Condes of Raleigh, NC. Patricia was proceeded in death by her oldest daughter Elaine Dockendorf of Keller, TX. She has twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren and never forgot a birthday.