Patricia Jean Wakefield

Patricia Jean "Patty" Wakefield, 65, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away on August 2, 2026, in Muskegon following complications from health issues she had courageously faced over the past several years.

Patty was born on April 22, 1961, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Samuel Wakefield and Janice (Buzas) Chilcote.

From the time she was just a kid, Patty worked in the family business, Port City Cab Company in Muskegon, alongside her grandparents, Pat and Gene Wakefield, and her uncle, Tom Wakefield. Over the years, she helped run and grow the family business as it expanded into the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo areas. For Patty, it wasn't simply a job-it was part of her family, her upbringing, and her life.

Patty was also a longtime member of, and worked at, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #668 in Muskegon, where she formed many friendships and became a familiar face to so many.

Patty was a rock-a fighter, a survivor, and a woman who never minced words. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and someone who could tell you exactly what she thought. But beneath that strength was an incredibly generous and caring heart.

Patty had a strong work ethic and was giving, thoughtful, loyal, and dependable. If you were someone she loved, she would give you the shirt off her back. She was a wonderful friend to many and treasured friendships that lasted a lifetime.

And if Patty loved you, you were never forgotten.

She never missed a birthday or special occasion. Her warm and thoughtful greeting cards arrived through the mail like clockwork, a simple but unmistakable reminder that she was thinking about you. Those cards-and the love behind them-are memories many will treasure for years to come.

Patty loved to travel, especially to Florida, where she enjoyed the sunshine, laughter, and time spent with her Florida besties, Heidi and Kristina. Those trips and friendships brought her tremendous happiness.

But perhaps Patty's greatest joy in life was being there for the children she loved.

Patty helped raise her granddaughter, Briella, her only grandchild, the light of Patty's life and her pride and joy. She poured her heart into Briella, loved her fiercely, and took great pride in watching her grow

She leaves behind her son, Robert William Decker II, lovingly known as Bobby; her beloved granddaughter, Briella; her boyfriend, Art VonDestinon; a long list of nieces, nephews; cousins and many close lifelong friends including Sherry Johnson, Misty Jones and Barb Nelson who will carry her memory with them.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Wakefield and Janice Buzas Chilcote, and her sisters, Cheryl Rushcamp, who passed away in 2016, and Cynthia Rushcamp, who passed away in September 2023.

Patty lived life on her own terms. She was strong when life asked her to be strong, generous when someone needed her, loyal to those she loved. She left an impression wherever she went-and there is no doubt that many people will hear her voice in their heads, remember one of her cards arriving in the mail, or smile at a story that could only begin with, "Patty..."

Her family finds comfort in knowing that the woman who spent so much of her life taking care of others has finally been given the chance to rest.

She was one of a kind. She was Patty. And she will be deeply, deeply missed.

At Patty's request, she will be cremated. A memorial gathering celebrating her life will be held in the coming weeks. Details will be announced when arrangements have been finalized.

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon