Patricia A. Schibler

Patricia A. Schibler (McDermott), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and educator, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born November 21, 1937, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, Patricia devoted her life to her family, her faith, nursing, education, and service to others. She was a woman of deep faith whose warmth, curiosity, commitment to those around her, and touched many lives.

Patricia graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1955 as valedictorian. She attended Thiel College and went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She later earned a master’s degree in Higher Education from Kent State University and a PhD in Higher Education.

Her career in nursing and education was marked by a commitment to preparing and encouraging others. She served as a nursing educator at Fairview Hospital and Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she later became Academic Dean.

Patricia’s faith was central to her life and shaped her commitment to service. She served on various committees of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and was a member of the Wittenberg University Board of Directors. She also participated in the People to People program as a medical ambassador to China. Throughout her life, she was active in her church and sang in the choir.

In 1959, Patricia married Rev. Dr. Ralph F. Schibler, beginning a 66-year marriage filled with love, laughter, partnership in ministry, and a shared love of travel. Together they raised four daughters, who brought Patricia great joy and pride: Rev. Catherine Schibler-Keegan (Clayton Keegan), Barbara Chen (Jerry Chen), Jennifer Hammons, and Nancy Schibler.

Patricia was a cherished grandmother to eight grandchildren and a great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren. She delighted in sharing with them her love of reading, curiosity, creativity, and warmth. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing and reading and was always on the lookout for new pieces of fabric for her quilts. Patricia treasured her family above all else.

Following their retirement, Patricia and Ralph made their home on Catawba Island, Ohio, where they enjoyed their life together by the lake and became part of the community they loved.
Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Dr. Ralph F. Schibler; her parents, John and Catherine (Davis) McDermott; her brother, Robert McDermott; and her grandson, Andrew Hammons.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, learning, and service—and a family who will carry her memory forward with gratitude and love.

Visitation will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 10:00am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 207 Adams Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Rev. Marcus Lohrmann will preach and preside. Burial will follow in Catawba Island Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH.