Patricia Ann Schuessler

Patricia Ann Schuessler, 73, of Williamsport, Indiana left this world and passed into a place of peace on April 11^th, 2024 with loved ones by her side. 

Patricia or Pat as most knew her, had a lifelong love for animals and with this love she built her career. She began that career by breeding, raising and racing thoroughbred racehorses, a love and partnership she shared with her father. She also owned and operated a pet boarding and grooming facility, Raintree Pet Lodge until her retirement in 2017. 

Patricia married Gordon Kerst in 1972 and had three wonderful children.  She met the love of her life, Arnetta Smith in 1983 and they later legally married in 2013. Patricia had many passions in life and softball was one of them and that led her to her forever love. The love they shared was one to be admired, appreciated, and strived for. Like connecting puzzle pieces, they just fit together.  

Patricia enjoyed being outside in nature. She took every opportunity she could on nice days to be outside and productive. Brushing a horse, mowing the lawn, fixing a fence, fishing, golfing, tending to chickens and gardening all brought her joy throughout her life. And anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her knew she was hardworking.  

Some of her best known quotes are ones that will ring true throughout, such as “you should always strive to be a good, kind, and honest person because that’s all that matters” and “life is not all hay, it’s a lot manure.” Practical lessons we can all carry with us and live in her honor.   

Patricia made such an impact on those who knew and loved her that she was given many nicknames; Tricia, Farmer Aunt Pat, Weather Lady Pat, Patsy, Patala and Coocoo to name a few. Each name reflects a different meaningful relationship and a love that was shared.  She was a truly remarkable person and to know her was the most amazing gift.  

Patricia is survived by her wife, Arnetta Smith Schuessler, her children Jessie Kerst (Grahame Bulington), Corey Kerst, and Chad Kerst (Kim Kerst), her sisters, Suzie Magnum, Barbara Mangrum, Carol Lee, grandchildren; Emma Reece (Tristian Reece), Chandler Kerst (Mikayla Oppy), Macie Kerst-Merriman (Logan Cunningham), Sage Kerst, Teygon Kerst, and Brettly Kerst. As well as 2 great-grandchildren, Theodore Reece and Bettie Patricia Reece and many near and dear nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two people that she grew up with and that brought her joy and laughter; her cousin Peggy Lindblade and sister-in-law Mary Peterson. 

She is preceded in death by her father Dave Schuessler, mother Jessie Folds, and her brothers David Lee and Freddie Schuessler. 

A visitation will be held on April 15 from 1pm until funeral service time at 3pm at Raintree Farm, 3695 S 100 W, Williamsport, IN. Please dress comfortably.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Senior Sighthound Sanctuary at www.seniorsighthoundsanctuary.org.