Patricia Ann Gallatin

Patricia Ann Gallatin, 82, of Midland, Mich., died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at the MidMichigan Medical Center surrounded by a loving family and shared memories.

She was born in North Baltimore, Ohio, to the late William A. and Paulvena F. (Stouffer) Bayliss. She married Gordon Clair Gallatin on June 30, 1946 in Wellington, Ohio, beginning their relationship at the age of 14 and celebrating 62 years of marriage before his death in 2008.

Pat resided in the Indian River/Alanson area for the last 48 years before coming to Midland in 2007. In her early years, she worked as a waitress, retail clerk, and a secretary at the Ohio License Bureau. She and Gordon then owned and operated the Wellington Cash Market before moving to Michigan in 1960. At that time, Pat focused on being a homemaker and family organizer.

While in Ohio, she was a founding member of the Wellington Bowhawks Archery Club, shooting competitively and earning many awards. Throughout her life, she loved the outdoors and enjoyed bow hunting, spending time on their wooded property in northern Michigan, and watching the birds feeding outside the kitchen window. Pat made wonderful pies that were at the heart of many family gatherings. She was a person that spoke matter-of-factly and loved deeply. Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and loved spending time with her family.

Patricia is survived by her daughter Laura and Mark Freed of Midland, and sons Dana and Beverly Gallatin of Rockford and Dorn and Kathy Gallatin of Westland; grandchildren Tina and Jeff Owen and children Zachary, Gabe, and Callie of Grandville, Mich., Nathan Gallatin and son Tyler of Dania, Fla., Andrew Smith of Tempe, Ariz., and of Midland, Cary Freed, Seth and Sara Freed and children Chance, Ryan, Paige, and Gordon, and Pat Bojcun, who all held a special place in her heart. Also, surviving are her brother-in-law Dick Reed of Elyria, Ohio, sister-in-law Judy Bayliss of Palmyra, Pa., as well as special friends, Dave and Joann Hampton of Petoskey, Mich., and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Michael Bayliss, sister-in-law Beryl Reed, and brother-in-law Wallace Gallatin.

A private family gathering to celebrate Patricia's life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were made by Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Little Traverse Conservancy, 3264 Powell Rd., Harbor Springs, Mich., 49740 or online at ltc@landtrust.org.