Obituaries

Patricia “Patti” Smith passed away on November 20, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on February 1, 1946, at Madison General Hospital, the eldest child of Margaret (Thielke) and Ralph Bentley. She grew up on Dayton Street near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She attended Central High School in Madison, WI and graduated in 1964.

While a second year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she met a handsome second year student named Michael at a dance at Rusty’s in Middleton. They married in 1968. Patti graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1969 with a degree in Communicative Disorders and afterward worked as a program analyst for the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Patti advocated tirelessly for elementary grade level students with disabilities and equal access to education.

When Patti and Mike moved to Cincinnati, she worked part time as projects director for the Girl Scouts Council of southern Ohio. She organized and directed a nationwide summer camp meeting, "Rolling on the River" that brought hundreds of girl scouts to Cincinnati to ride paddlewheel riverboats up and down the Ohio river and learn about environmental issues for rivers. The first such national meeting was held in Cincinnati. She also planned and directed the annual cookie sales much to Mike's delight.

In her late-30’s, Patti developed a passion for Interior Design and went back to school (Madison College) to study Interior Design. While there, she inspired countless other nontraditional students to pursue their passions, regardless of their life stage. After graduating, Patti worked as an Interior Designer for Nonn’s Flooring for several years. Madison College has recently started a scholarship in her name designated to other nontraditional students.

Patti was an amazing caregiver throughout her life. She was a loving and doting mother to her daughters. Patti served as a caregiver to her mother in her final years and to her multiple four-footed friends, particularly an adorable labrador retriever named Samantha. Her empathetic nature extended to volunteerism for multiple organizations, including Attic Angel Association and the Junior League of Madison.

Patti adored her grandchildren. Her favorite phrase to hear was “Grandma, I’m hungry!” She made the best baked goods for her grandchildren, which sadly have not been replicated by any other family member.

Patti was a joyful person with razor-sharp wit. She was as comfortable at home blasting Carly Simon as she was at a sophisticated dinner party. Those who challenged her at bridge were left picking their ego off the floor at the end of the night.

Patti was an avid swimmer and enjoyed her daily workout at Harbor Athletic Club in Middleton. She also loved to go for long walks outdoors or on the treadmill.

Patti is survived by her loving husband Michael, their children Megan (Jason Hill) Margenau of Waunakee and Melissa (Paul) Moskalik of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren Payton Margenau, Tristan Margenau and James “Jimmy” Moskalik; siblings Sharon (the late Tom) McGann, Richard (the late Kay) Bentley and Bob (Vicki) Bentley.

A public visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. Private family services will be held with burial following at Union Cemetery, in the Township of Vienna.

Patti’s family would like to thank Theresa at Brookdale Senior Living for the multiple years of loving care, as well as nurse Michelle from Agrace Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Madison College Patti Smith Scholarship Fund. Please remember Patti today by playing your favorite Carly Simon or Bob Seger song and giving your favorite cat or dog a tasty treat.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.