Patricia Sue Love died on Friday, November 2, 2012, after a spirited, courageous and dignified four-month bout with cancer. She was 77.

Patty was born in Springfield, Missouri, on June 30, 1935, to Roy L. and Millie (Shaw) Thomason. Following graduation from Senior High School in Springfield in 1953, Patty attended Southwest Missouri State University.

In 1956, she married high-school sweetheart Darrel Love, who was so smitten with Patty that he gave up a promising boxing career to become a cheerleader with her on the Senior High squad.

Patty operated a business, Venus Imports, in the 1970s. She later went back to school to get her nursing degree, and she worked as an L.P.N. with hospice organizations. But Patty''s lifetime devotion was to establishing a home and raising her family, whose lives were enriched beyond measure by her love, witty insights and wonderful way. Patty''s many interests throughout her life included tennis, golf, baseball, sewing and movie-watching.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband Darrel in1995, and beloved sister, Carole Smith, in 1976.

Patty is survived by sons Tim "Dog" Love, Jeff Love and his wife Terianne, and Nick Love and his wife Susan, all of Springfield; grandchildren Alysha Love, Trevor Love, Erin Love, Ben Love, Samantha Love and Jack Love; close nieces Debby Williams and Bunny Gilchrist; and many other loving relatives and lifelong friends.

The family expresses its deepest gratitude to Sherry Wessel, a loyal and compassionate caregiver.

A visitation will be held at from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 4 in the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, 4500 S. Lone Pine. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Rivermonte. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Boys and Girls Clubs, 1410 N. Fremont, Springfield, MO 65802.