Patsy Tenbusch

Patsy Delores (Via) Tenbusch, age 88, went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2018. She was born on September 5, 1930 in Hagerstown, Maryland to Churchill and Pauline (Palmer) Via. She had two brothers, Everett and Victor. Surviving are her children, Melvin Tenbusch, Jr. and Angela (Kevin) Tiedje, grandchildren Joel Tenbusch, Corey Tenbusch, Sean Wicks, Shannon Card, Jessica Tenbusch, Lauren Tiedje, Melissa Tiedje, Kyle Tiedje and great-grandchildren Alec Tenbusch, Gavin Tenbusch, Kiley Russell, Mia Tenbusch, Dylan Tenbusch, and Alana Tenbusch. She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, her son Ronald, her brothers Everett and Victor, and her parents. Patsy grew up in Princeton, West Virginia; she moved around a lot as a child but here she spent her youth. Her grandparents operated a county poor farm where she spent many summers with her many cousins. She reminisced often of her wonderful grandparents and great fun with her cousins. Witnessing a poor farm in the height of the great depression imprinted lasting memories of hardships effect on people, creating in her a beautiful and compassionate spirit. When she was about fourteen her family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, residing across from the bustling naval base. Having been raised in the rural hills of West Virginia, this was quite the change. The large public high school was a difficult transition as most of her classmates were from prosperous military families. It was at the navy pool however, that she met her husband, Melvin— apparently our father liked to show off on the diving board! They dated and were married on June 12, 1948 in North Carolina. They lived in Virginia until 1968 when they moved up to our father’s hometown of Harbor Beach, MI in search of a quieter lifestyle and better paying job. Patsy loved the cooler temperatures of the Harbor Beach summers near the lake. Despite living far away from her family in Virginia, she always said that the move was where God intended her to be. After raising her three children she started working part-time sitting with Dr. Oaks’ ailing elderly wife. This led to many jobs caring for the elderly which she was aptly suited having such a serving, giving nature. She so enjoyed being a caregiver. Eventually she attended classes and learned more about nursing and received a certification. She served her Lord as she served her fellow man. Patsy was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church where she often prepared the Sacrament. She loved the Lord with all of her heart which is evident with the many notes found in her well-worn bible. Patsy loved flowers and gardening and always had a beautiful flower display in her yard. She loved children; nothing made her happier than being around them and was a wonderful grandmother. Her grandchildren have many loving memories of staying at “Gammy’s beachhouse” in the summers. Having been raised in the South, Patsy was a wonderful southern cook. She loved to do for others; nothing pleased her more than to prepare a nice meal! Her sweet tea will remain unsurpassed for generations! Patsy carried an infectious joy that made everyone gravitate to her. She had a silly, playful side and was always happy. Her outlook on life was passed on to many—her greatest legacy. In the last nine months of her life she suffered from Alzheimer’s. It was extremely difficult to see her personality and love of life taken away. She is no longer suffering and is in heaven rejoicing with her Lord and Savior. She often said how she couldn’t wait to hug Jesus. She made it clear to us how thankful she was for her life and how blessed she was. We were all blessed to have had her in our lives.

Patsy Tenbusch

September 5, 1930 - December 30, 2018