Patricia Ann Naragon, 75, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly on Friday evening, February 24, 2023, doing what she loved, supporting her grandchildren.

Born to Robert L. and Mary Francis (Helmer) Young in Kendallville, Indiana, on March 18, 1947, her mother tragically died during the childbirth. Growing up in Wolcottville, she was raised by her father, stepmother, Barbara Young, and grandparents, Lloyd and Wilma Young. She graduated from Lakeland High School, LaGrange in 1965. She continued her education at Manchester College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree from IUPU – Fort Wayne.

Meeting her beloved husband, Dale Alan Naragon, at Manchester College, the two wed on June 9, 1968. They made their first home in West Lafayette, later moving to LaGrange and for the past 48 years, Columbia City. Life-long companions and friends, the couple was blessed with two children, Todd and Jennifer.

In 1969, she began her career-long passion for teaching elementary kids at Wolcott Elementary School. In 1970, she taught at Brighton Elementary, and in 1986, she joined Churubusco Elementary School, where she taught Kindergarten and Second Grade until her retirement in 2013.

She was an active member of the Washington Center Church, serving in many capacities, and the Whitley County Farm Bureau. Using her teaching skills, she was a volunteer tutor with the Salvation Army. In her retirement, she enjoyed reading, quilting, and supporting her family.

Surviving is her loving husband of 54 years, Dale; a son, Todd A. Naragon of Columbia City; a daughter, Jennifer (Jim) Meyer of Huntertown; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joshua, and Ashley Meyer; a brother, Danny L. (Martha) Young of Wolcottville; a brother, Gerald L. (Dalonda) Young of Wolcottville; a sister, Ramona (Chris) Wherry of New Haven and an aunt, Mary Jane (Young) Dilts of LaGrange.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Young; stepmother, Barbara Young; grandparents, Lloyd and Wilma Young; and a brother Leonard Young.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday, March 6th, at the Washington Center Church, 8036 South Washington Road, Columbia City. Burial is at the Eberhard Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 5th, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour before the service at the church.

Memorials in Patricia's honor are to Washington Center Church Memorial Garden.