Patricia Ann Rex, 83, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, August 29, 2022, at Brooke Knoll Village in Avon.
Pat was born March 5, 1939, in Lebanon, a daughter of the late Robert and Laura (Isenhower) Wilson. Pat attended Lebanon Community Schools and graduated with the LHS Class of 1957.
On September 1, 1957, Pat married her high school sweetheart, William A. (Bill) Rex. He preceded her in death September 2, 2011. After their honeymoon, they resided in Rhode Island where Bill was stationed in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of Bill’s tour of duty, they returned to Lebanon where they would make their home.
Along with her husband, Pat was an entrepreneur in Lebanon owning or operating several businesses throughout her career including Dairy Queen, Fabri Clean Laundromat, Sparkle Kleen Laundromat, Lebanon Red Cab, Carpet Genie, Ponderosa Steakhouse and Midwest Vending. They also owned a laundromat in Danville, IN as well as 3 additional Ponderosa Steakhouses with dear friend and business partner, Burt Orwig.
During Pat’s life, her favorite times were family gatherings. In her younger years, she enjoyed gathering with the Brock, Isenhower or Wilson families. After she had a family of her own, she loved any time when the family could all be together at holiday time, birthday parties or athletic activities. Family gatherings were her most treasured times. She also loved any time her Class of ’57 friends would gather. Being an only child, her girlfriends became her sisters during her high school years. They have remained close for the past 65 years. Other enjoyable activities included gardening, playing Euchre or other card games, and bowling. She was also a member of ESA Sorority and Lebanon Christian Church.
Pat is survived by her son, Bill (Marcia) Rex of Brownsburg and daughter, Susanne (Wendell) Asato of Indianapolis; six grandchildren, Billy (Ashley) Rex of Kokomo, Courtney (Nick) Worland of Westfield, Stephanie (Aaron) Hacker of Danville, Andrew (Kellie) Burnett of Hendersonville, TN, Kristen Asato of Indianapolis, and Matthew Asato of Indianapolis; eight great grandchildren, Cole, Chloe, Riley, and Reagan Hacker, Liam and Madelyn Rex, and Hannah and Eden Burnett; niece, Penny (Steve) Devito of Lansdale, PA; nephew, Dr. David Panozzo of Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and great nephew, Marcus Panozzo.
In addition to her parents and loving husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Cherlyn Williams; infant son, Robert “Bobby” Rex; and sister-in-law, Regina (John) Panozzo-White.
Family and friends will gather Friday, Sep. 2, for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Pat will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Lebanon Christian Church, Witham Hospital Foundation or Indiana Blood Bank.
