Patricia Gayle (Crain) "Packrat Pat" Yeater

Patricia, “Packrat Pat” Yeater left this Earth in the same divine way she lived her life-gently and peacefully. Pat was born in Elkhart on September 24, 1941 to Stella and William Crain. Her grandparents Easter and Fred Wigent loved and cared for her while her dad Bill served in the war and earned his college degree. In 1955 Pat attended a high school football game where she met the love of her life, Larry D. Yeater, or as she called him, “Lard”. Be it fate or call it love at first sight; Pat knew instantly he was “the one” as she whispered to her girlfriend “I am going to marry that boy someday!”  

From there a fairytale romance turned to a marriage, she found a mentor and the sweet love of her second mom, Margaret, and soon a family was created when Stormi Jeanne entered their world. 2 years later Stacey arrived, and Pat became the devoted mom storybooks are made of. They raised their girls in Mishawaka on Delorenzi Street in a small house between their lifelong friends the Kyles and the Nichols. In 1973, Pat’s favorite surprise package, Brandy, arrived and 4 months later she gave birth to her dreams and opened the doors to Packrat Pat’s. She poured her heart and soul into her shop, but felt she never worked a day in her life.

Customers rummaged through collectibles, antiques, and good junk looking for that special something, but left with more than they bargained for. Pat was the rare gem, the priceless gift, and the true treasure to be found.

For those that knew her, no words are needed, nor could they ever narrate the story of a woman, whose very essence was pure love, perfect peace, and perpetual kindness. She was positive to her very core and nothing short of a Saint. The following words of Pat’s were recently found in an undelivered family letter and should be shared as a message to all that she loved:

“We are the creators of our world. We are the thinkers of our thoughts. Let us love ourselves for ALL of it. For it is the path we have chosen, each in our own way. We are one with everything that is! Let us be good caretakers of ourselves and of others. When we love, there is no room for hate. We all have the power to impact the world with our love. Each one of you has been a wonderful teacher for me and I am so grateful we have shared this life together.”

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her 8 grandchildren: Austin, Sidney (Mikel), Samantha (Macauley), Skye, Brice, Bremen, Brittin, and Marissa, 3 great-grandchildren: Zion, Zen, and Mateo; her siblings: Cynthia Latimer, Bill (Kathy) Crain, and Chris (Marvin) Gunn; a large extended family who adored their “Auntie Pat”, along with countless friends and all her beloved customers.

In lieu of flowers please perform a random act of kindness in Pat’s honor and/or donations can be made to Caring Cove Hospice. A heartfelt thank you, to Holly, Dr. Sweeney, Danielle, Laura, Heather and the entire team for their attentive and tender care. Mom loved you all.

Friends may join the family Tuesday, March 26, 2024, for a sweet & sorrow celebration from 4-8 pm at Castle Manor, 801 Indian Ave. in Mishawaka (Merrifield Park behind the pool).

Finally, Pat’s favorite song emulates her life and is the message she would send out to the world:

“Let there be peace on Earth. And let it begin with me."

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