Patricia Haroldeen Withiem

Patricia Haroldeen Withiem, of Hastings, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born November 17, 1937, in Hastings to Bernard Oliver Tasker and Ella Evelyn (Webber) Tasker.

Patricia was a devoted educator whose impact reached generations of students. A 1956 graduate of Bellevue High School, she began her pursuit of a teaching certificate at Western Michigan University and completed her education at East Texas State University. She taught at Pennfield Schools and later at Thornapple Kellogg Schools, where she dedicated more than 30 years before retiring in 1992. She was deeply loved by her students and colleagues alike. Following her retirement, she continued caring for children by opening two daycare centers in Hastings and Delton. She volunteered for many years in the Thornapple Manor Gift Shop and was a member of the auxiliary.

Patricia was a member of Hastings Free Methodist Church and the Michigan Retired School Personnel Association. She lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity—applying to travel to space as a teacher, parasailing, and dreaming of flying lessons. She enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Mexico, taking cruises, shopping, and indulging in Diet Mountain Dew and chocolate. She loved gathering with friends, attending parties, and took pride in her appearance, always enjoying having her hair and nails done and wearing jewelry.

She was known for her warm, outgoing spirit and genuine love for people. The staff and residents at Safe Haven Assisted Living held a special place in her heart, and she in theirs, forming meaningful connections with both residents and their families. She loved cats and the two resident cats always stayed in her room.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Chelle Kenyon (partner LuAnn Smith) and Shelby Drilling; grandchildren Steven, Scott, and Kenneth Kenyon; great-grandchildren; her sister Joyce Babbitt; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Jeff Holland, Glenn Sutton, Robert McCollum, and James Withiem; and her sister Ann Moll.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hastings Free Methodist Church (2635 N. M-43, Hastings, MI), with refreshments to follow. Arrangements provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net to leave an online condolence.