Patricia K. Wilbur

Patricia K. “Pat” Wilbur, 84 of Elkhart, passed away November 16, 2013 at Hubbard Hill Estates.

She was born April 14, 1929 in Buffalo, NY to Joseph V. and Kathryn W. (Minnich) Goddard. She married Leland “Lee” Wilbur on October 27, 1951 in Hamburg, NY. They moved to Elkhart where Pat went to work at Whitehall Laboratories until she and Lee bought Oakland Lanes in 1965.

Pat became an avid bowler and won the Elkhart Truth Roll-Off 4 times and took first place scratch in city tournaments in all-events, singles, doubles and team and also won team handicap several times.

Pat was a certified instructor by Joe Wilman in 1965, a certified YBA instructor in 1967 and a certified YABA instructor in 1982. She served as Vice President of the local youth association and ran both programs at Oakland Lanes. She served as secretary of North Central Indiana BPA.

Pat served the Indiana Bowling Proprietor’s Association (IPBA) as recording secretary, vice president and was elected president in 1965, the first female to serve as a State president. She was awarded the Hy Delman award in 1988 by IBPA. For her years of service, Pat was honored with lifetime membership in the IBPA and BPAA.

Pat attended the Petersen Classic for 31 years and was Squad Sponsor for 27 years. She attended more than 30 State and National Tournaments and served in several areas of the Women’s Indiana State Bowling Association (WISBA). Pat was inducted into the Elkhart Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Pat also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Meadowood Neighborhood Watch Program, Secretary and then President of Colony Bay Condominium Association. She also belonged the Elks #250, Manistee, MI, Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #395 and Women of the Moose #73.

Pat was predeceased by her husband Lee on March 7, 2010. They had no children but did have several nieces and nephews and would want to say thanks to her good friend, Betty Mann, for all she did for Pat for so many years.

Visitation for Pat will be from 4-8 pm on Thursday Nov. 21st at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral & Cremation Center, where services will be held at 11 am Friday Nov. 22nd.
Cremation will take place following services and her remains will be placed with those of her husband, Lee for interment.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.