Patsy “Pat” Jean (Rice) Towle, age 96, of Benton, Illinois passed away August 19, 2026, at Helia Health Care in Benton. She was born January 18, 1930, in Benton, Illinois, to Stanley Harrison and Nancy Edith (Upchurch) Rice.
After graduating from Benton High School, Pat moved to Miami, FL where she worked for a modeling agency and Florida Power and Light. She later returned to Benton, where she raised her family. Once her children were older, she reentered the work force with C.I.P.S, which is now Ameren retiring in 1992.
Pat was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Benton and the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, and creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces that are treasured by her loved ones. In her later years at Heritage Woods, she enjoyed playing Bingo, listening to music, creating friendships, and the ministry.
She is survived by her daughter Pam (Dale) Irvin of Benton, along with children from her blended family: Kathy Meier, Davenport, IA, David (Karla) Towle, Cedar Falls, IA, and Marcia (Jerry) Ludden, Davenport, IA. Brother George (Mary) Rice of Dahlonega, GA; Sister-in-law Martha Rice of Marietta, GA.
Grandchildren: Ryan (Emily) Unger, Alison (Brandon) Anthis, Michelle Meier, Cory (Angie) Meier, Josef (Berkleigh) Lawler, John Greer, Breen (Dillon) Greer, and Ian (Elizabeth) Greer.
Great Grandchildren: Mason and Vada Unger, Payton and Alaina Anthis, Graden and Liam Cowell and Ava and Jonas Lawler; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by her husbands; Harold Eugene Prowell-1977 and Charles Towle-2017; Son Mike and wife Elaine Prowell. Brothers; Howard Rice, Donald Rice, Wendell Rice and wife Grace, Van Rice and wife Peggy, Allen Rice, Jim Rice, Sister: Jo Blackwood and husband Herman along with son-in-law Dick Meier.
Pat will be remembered for her kindness, faith, creativity, and love for her family. Her memory will live on through the family that she cherished and the beautiful cross-stitch pieces she created with love.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Benton, IL or the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 22nd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
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