Patricia Ann Govitz spent a third of her life battling debilitating physical challenges, and on Thursday, May 9, 2024, she seized victory and escaped her earth-bound shackles for good, soaring to her rightful spot amongst the brightest stars above and earning a hard-won rest.
Born to Letha and Lloyd Hagenbaugh on July 24, 1939, Patricia lived her entire life in Beaverton. When she was in elementary school, an over-enthusiastic schoolmate thumped her with a snowball; naturally, the thrower, Kenneth Govitz, became the love of her life. They married on Jan. 22, 1960 and never looked back.
After graduating from BHS in 1957, Patricia worked several years for the City of Midland before becoming a full-time homemaker. When she wasn’t playing catch in the front yard or helping somebody do something, she developed a love for and expertise in refinishing antique furniture. Scouring garage sales and antique shops for her next masterpiece became a cherished pastime, and Patricia’s beautiful home was filled with her work. She was, however, careful not to get too attached. Once, she got an offer for a restored oak bedroom set that was too good to resist; that night, Kenny slept on the floor.
Patricia excelled as a mother and grandmother.
She believed a tight-knit family never has to search for reasons to get together, and she was rarely seen without a child or grandchild in tow.
She traveled with them, took care of them, did homework with them and supported them in every imaginable way. She possessed an excitement for her family that made it seem like every time you walked through her door, she hadn’t seen you in weeks.
As all her closest loved ones gathered at her side in her final days, it’s our fondest hope that it gave her comfort to once again have us all in one place at one time.
Patricia fought bravely for decades against the ravages of severe arthritis that progressively robbed her of activity, and she did it with a warrior’s spirit that inspired admiration. No matter how many falls or spills or mishaps her poor body endured, she refused to quit. And if she ever felt self-pity for her condition in her final years, she rarely showed it. Patricia lived a good life, a life filled with love and laughter and family. And somehow, it still feels like she deserved better. It can’t go unmentioned that Patricia’s final two years were made much more bearable thanks to the superb staff at Gladwin Pines. Our family was stunned and inspired by their boundless empathy and patience during Patricia’s time at the Pines, and we’re so grateful for everything they’ve done.
Our family is shaken with the loss of something that can’t be replaced, but we’ll press ahead, because that’s what she would expect.
Patricia was preceded by her parents and her aunt Dorothy Rowley. Carrying on and striving to uphold her legacy of kindness and decency toward others are her husband Ken; her children Lori (Mark) Robb and Rusty (Leanne) Govitz; grandchildren Jeremy (Dolly Muma) Brubaker; Ryan (ShaVonne) Brubaker; Graham Govitz; Cole Govitz; and Stella Govitz; four great-grandchildren (Brynley, Breckyn, Layelin and Ryker); her sister, Terry (Dean) Dowling; her brother, Don (Barb) Hagenbaugh; and her former son-in-law, Craig Brubaker.
In accordance with Patricia’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no public service. The family will celebrate her life in a private gathering in the weeks to come. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to 1304 N. Silverleaf St., Gladwin, MI 48624.