Patricia A. (Whitmore) Rod was born on September 19, 1936 in Aurora, Illinois to George and Bernice (Caponash) Whitmore, Jr. She had the honor of being the first daughter born in the Whitmore family for 60 years. Patricia peacefully passed away January 6, 2022 surrounded by family at Brighton Gardens of Wheaton Reminiscence in Wheaton, Illinois.

Patricia was a member of Mendota Bible Church where she sang in the choir and was a Kids Klub volunteer. Her faith steered her life and she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior many years ago. Patricia graduated from Mendota High School in 1955 where she actively participated in girls' sports. Patricia married James Ross Rod of LaMoille on November 6, 1955. They resided on a farm near Rochelle. The family would move to Rockford, IL. in 1964. Patricia graduated and taught Cosmetology at Rockford Beauty Academy in Rockford. She was the owner/operator of the Glamour Magic Beauty Salon out of her home in Rockford. She graduated from Rock Valley College School of Nursing in 1972 with high honors. Patricia practiced as an RN/Intensive Care nurse at Rockford Memorial Hospital and Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru, Illinois, as well as Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas. During her lifetime she was co-owner with her husband James Rod, and manager of a Polar Bear Ashburn Ice Cream Store in Austin, TX. She was an AKC breeder of German Shepherds and an accomplished dog trainer. She was a beekeeper and advocate for wildlife as well. Her love for gardening followed her through life, while living on the farm or in town. Her home was recognized as the June 1995 Lawn of the Month by the Men's Garden Club of Mendota. Patricia's love of life was best shown by the energy she put into to everything she did. Pat was always willing to lend a helping hand when others were in need. She was a very independent woman.

Patricia is survived by her brother, Jerry Whitmore; her children, Deborah (Michael W.) Koscielny and Michael J. Rod; grandchildren, Michael "Trey" W. (Michele) Koscielny, III, Rachael E. (Andrew) Sutter, Elizabeth E. Rod, James M. Rod and Timothy M. (Claudia) Rod; great granddaughter, Daenerys A. Koscielny, great grandson Kurtis W. Sutter, and a 3rd great grandchild due in February.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George E. Whitmore and Bernice E. Whitmore; her husband James R. Rod, daughter in law Joan E. (Crowley) Rod and Alfred "Fritz" Rod.

Funeral services will be Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Brian Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.

Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Association or online at act.alz.org. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com