Patricia “Pat” Carole Bartley

April 4, 1940 - October 25, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Carole Bartley (nee Putkonen) passed away on Oct. 25, 2026, surrounded in love and comfort by extended family members after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Pat was a longtime resident of Wayne, IL, before retiring with her husband to Branson, MO. Born on April 4, 1940, in Chicago to Virginia (nee Leonhard) and Leo Putkonen, Pat attended nursing school at the Illinois Masonic Hospital, in Chicago. She worked as surgical nurse until she married John Norman Bartley in 1960. After initially residing in Hanover Park, IL, Pat and Jack moved to Wayne in 1961, where they remained for 46 years, raising three daughters, Cathy, Carol and Cheri. Devoted to her role as a mother, Pat enjoyed being involved in her children’s school activities, and took on roles including room mother, assistant teacher, Girl Scout Leader, and President of the PTA. A proud resident of the Wayne community, she enjoyed volunteering at many hometown events, particularly the Flag Day parade and ice cream socials, which were among her favorites.  Once her daughters were grown, Pat moved into a new career as a realtor working for Kettley & Co. in Geneva and Castle Keep Real Estate in Wayne. Pat was very dedicated member of Jobs Daughters International, a Masonic-affiliated leadership organization for girls and young women. During her lengthy tenure with Jobs Daughters, she earned several achievements including being named Honored Queen of Bethel #7 Chicago at age 16. Later, she earned the rank of Bethel Guardian at #61 Elgin, and Past Grand Bethel Guardian of The State of Illinois. She was also a recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple, the highest honor given in Job’s Daughters. She was also a long-time supporter of the Medinah Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago. As her family grew to include several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Pat continued to love hosting special events, gatherings and holidays in her home, with Christmas being her favorite. She always wanted to make sure her home was open to all her loved ones and their friends.  She also enjoyed a talent for cooking. This caught the attention of the Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge where she would cook and serve meals after the monthly meetings.  In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her three daughters: Catherine Schmidt, Carol (William) Keller, and Cheryl “Cheri” (Barry) Lassiter.; 10 grandchildren: Jeremy Schmidt, James Schmidt, Jonathan (Natalie) Schmidt, Ryan (Hannah) Schmidt, Alex (Samantha) Schmidt, William II (Stephanie) Keller, Heidi (Ryan) Skilling, Heather Verling, Haley Lassiter, and Barry Lassiter. She is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren, Ava, Sofia, Kaitlyn, Audrey, William, George, Henry, Taylor and Emma; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Thomas Frew Sr., and two brothers Leo and David Putkonen. Per her wish, she will be interred near her father at Acacia Park Cemetery in Norridge, IL.Guest BookShareEmailPrint