Patricia "Patty" A. (Pratt) Baxter

November 05, 1958 ~ May 26, 2026 (age 67)

Patricia A. (Pratt) Baxter, lovingly known as Patty, passed away on May 26, 2026, in Elkhart, Indiana, at the age of 67.

Patty was born on November 5, 1958, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late Thomas J. Pratt Sr. and Patricia Ann (Galloway) Pratt. Patty was a proud graduate of South Bend LaSalle High School, Class of 1977, and she carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness with her into adulthood.

On August 15, 1981, Patty married the love of her life, James Baxter, in South Bend, Indiana. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and devotion. Their marriage was a lasting partnership filled with shared memories, steady support, and the kind of love that remained strong through every season of life. James survives and will forever cherish the many years they shared together.

Patty devoted many years of her life to working in home healthcare, where her caring nature and generous spirit were evident to all who knew her. She had a natural gift for helping others and took great pride in providing comfort and support to those in need. Her work reflected the same compassion she showed every day to her own family, and she was deeply respected for the kindness and patience she brought to her calling.

Family was the center of Patty’s world. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and found great joy in being present for the moments that mattered most. She is survived by her daughters, Sariah (Willie) Garza and Jamie (Joel) Irvin, and by her granddaughter, Dezzarhe Baskin, grandson, Braxton (Shelby) Garza, and great-grandchild, Armaneigh. She also leaves behind her brother, Shawn Pratt. Patty was preceded in death by her father, Thomas J. Pratt Sr.; her mother, Patricia Ann Pratt; and her brothers, Thomas J. Pratt Jr. and Lester Pratt.

Patty especially enjoyed traveling with her family and treasured the memories made on trips to Nashville, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. These journeys brought her great happiness, not only for the places she visited but for the time spent with the people she loved most. She also found joy in helping Jamie raise foster children, a reflection of her generous heart and her deep desire to care for others. Patty was known for her selflessness, her warmth, and the way she always put her family first.

In recent years, Patty faced illness with courage and determination. Even through difficult times, she continued to fight hard and remained focused on her love for her children and grandchildren. Her strength, grace, and devotion were an inspiration to those around her. Patty will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by compassion, generosity, and unwavering love.

A time to visit with the family will be on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. A service will start at 1 p.m., all being held at Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel, 414 E. Front St. Buchanan, MI 49107. Procession to Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan will immediately follow the service.  Palmer Funeral Homes~Bubb Chapel is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

Services

Visitation

Thursday
May 28, 2026, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home- Hoven Chapel
414 E Front St.
Buchanan, MI 49107

Funeral Service

Thursday
May 28, 2026, 1:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home- Hoven Chapel
414 E Front St.
Buchanan, MI 49107

Burial Immediately Following

Thursday
May 28, 2026
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Terre Coupe
Buchanan, MI 49107

Added 06/04/2026 2202 GMS 

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/PatriciaPatty-Baxter