Meeker, Patricia S.

Patricia S. Meeker, 71, of Newhall, passed away Dec. 22, 2011. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel in Cedar Rapids. Per Pat's wishes, her body will be cremated.

Pat is survived by her husband, Tom; daughters, Ivy (Mike Cannoy) Meeker and Amy Fiser, all of Marion; grandchildren, Cale, Quinn and Camryn Cannoy and Amber Fiser; her sister, JoAnn (Verlin) Hepker of Hiawatha; a brother; and her furry children, Ada Jane, Maggie Mae and Cagney Bad Cat.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Pat was born Oct. 1, 1940, to LeRoy and Suzan Puckhaber. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958. She married Thomas Meeker on Oct. 31, 1964. They made their home in Hiawatha for 42 years before moving to Newhall in 2004.

Pat organized the first women's softball leagues in Cedar Rapids in 1969 by forming teams of local women, of which she was a member of Newmire's team. She then organized and coached in the Hiawatha Girls Softball League, where she was a successful coach and mentor to many young girls. Pat was most proud of the 1982 Kennedy Girls Softball team and its first appearance at a state softball tournament. Pat had coached seven of the nine starters on that 1982 team at some point during her coaching career.

Pat was also an active bowler in the state of Iowa. She was successful in her bowling endeavors in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. She still holds the highest scratch series in a tournament for a woman bowler with a 199 game average for six games.

Pat and Tom enjoyed many trips to Tama to gamble and very much enjoyed fishing the banks of the Cedar River.

Pat had a great passion for all animals. She would do anything in her ability to make sure that all animals were treated kindly and humanely. This was evident by the scores of animals she adopted and loved throughout her life.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family at which time donations will be directed to local animal rescue/shelter organizations.

Published Dec. 23, 2011, in The Gazette