Patricia Darlene “Pat” Margenthaler, 79, of Jacksonville, IL, formerly of Maroa, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 3:20 PM on April 24, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.
Services will be held at Maroa Christian Church in Maroa, IL, with Scott Marsh officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with the service immediately following.  Burial at the Maroa Cemetery in Maroa, IL will follow the church services.  The family requests no black attire only celebratory colors.  Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Pat was born on May 6, 1946, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Thomas Stanley and Anna Evelyn (Mashburn) Margenthaler.
She was a graduate of Maroa-Forsyth High School and Richland Community College.
She is survived by her siblings, Ron (Marty) Margenthaler of Forsyth, IL, and Connie Townsend of Jacksonville, IL. She absolutely adored her nephew, Shaun Townsend (Julie Posch), and her four nieces, Andrea Veech (Brad), Shelly Grunsted (John), Amy Sill (Layne) and Kelly Walter (David). She also cherished her 12 great-nieces and nephews and 6 great-great nieces and nephews, who meant the world to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by Gordon Wilson, to whom she was briefly married.
Although originally intending to be a flight attendant, Pat retired from Revere Copper & Brass in Clinton, Illinois, after 36 years of dedicated service as an accountant. Once retired, Pat took on a second career as a horticulturists with the local hydroponic pepper plant outside of Maroa known as the “Maroa Greenhouse.” She finished her working career as a cook at her alma mater Maroa-Forsyth High School. 
Pat was an avid and highly skilled quilter, who frequently shared her signature quilts with family members. Her work was widely admired and showcased at county fairs and the Illinois State Fair. She was a proud member of several quilting and sewing groups, including Salt Creek Patchmakers and Fire Flies in Maroa, as well as Stitch-n-Go and the Jersey Gals in Jacksonville, where she shared her talent and formed lasting friendships.
Pat was also an avid clogger, including as one of the founding members of the Country Cloggers.  Through her time as a clogger, Pat had many fun adventures, including performing at the Illinois State Fair, the Decatur Celebration, the Apple and Pork Festival in Clinton, a memorable performance at the Grand Ole Opry and traveled with the club to perform in Mexico.  Pat was fortunate to be able to clog with the Osmond family as part of her adventures.
Pat was a faithful member of Maroa Christian Church, where she was first baptized.  Pat continued to follow her faith even after moving to Jacksonville, frequently attending services virtually on Sunday mornings.
Christmas was a special time for Pat. She enjoyed baking, playing cards, putting together puzzles, and spending quality time with family both far and near. She enjoyed many trips to Oklahoma where she spent treasured time with her great-nieces and nephews. Whether celebrating the holidays in Illinois or visiting family elsewhere, these moments brought her great joy and will be forever remembered by family.
Pat also held dear her many lifelong friendships. She shared a special bond with her “second sister,” Ann Wilcox, a cherished friend since childhood. She valued the lasting friendships she built during her years in Maroa and was equally grateful to form many meaningful new friendships after moving to Jacksonville.
Pat will always be remembered for her kind heart, her generous soul, and, most of all, her infectious smile that greeted everyone—family, friends, and even strangers.
Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com