Patricia Merrbach Breeden

Patricia Breeden (née Merrbach), known fondly as Patty, Patsy, and Miss Patty, passed peacefully at her son’s home in Falling Waters, WV on July 1, 2023 at age 89. Born May 18, 1934 with her twin sister in Akron, OH to Elizabeth Merrbach (née Porter) and John Godfrey Merrbach, she grew up in Cumberland, MD where she attended German Reformed Lutheran Church and graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1953. She married William Lee Breeden on November 21, 1954 in Hagerstown, MD and lived in Ranson, WV throughout her adult life. A devout Christian and devoted member of Landmark Apostolic Church in Martinsburg, WV, she enjoyed fellowship with her sisters in Christ, attending women’s conferences and Christian concerts. Patty was joyful, a woman of grace and courage with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and taking trips with loved ones to Williamsburg, VA, Washington, DC, Nashville, TN, and to see various museums, concerts, plays, and musicals. She loved watching her beloved tv talent shows each week and sharing that experience. She loved being out in the yard gardening and mowing, and took true joy in the outdoors while appreciating life’s simple pleasures like watching the birds and sitting on her porch swing. She loved to crochet and create her own patterns. She leaves behind many loved ones: her children, Cynthia Markley (David), Linda Bonnette (Matthew), & John Lee Breeden (Gay); daughter-in-law Elizabeth Breeden; grandchildren Ryan Bonnette (Sarah), Jeremy Bonnette (Emily), John Lee Breeden II, Cassie White (Nick), Lilly Breeden, James Breeden Jr., Raven Breeden, Jacob Breeden, and Heaven Breeden; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great- nephews. Patty was preceded in death by her husband William Lee Breeden (1983), son James William Breeden (2017), sister Mary Joan Dockney (2012), and twin sister Jacqueline Winebrenner (2022). A viewing will be held at Landmark Apostolic Church in Martinsburg, WV (198 Lee St.) on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 6-8pm, with funeral service on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 1pm. Burial at Pleasant View Memory Gardens will immediately follow the service. After the burial, please join the family at War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, WV in the Norwalk Creek Pavilion to celebrate Patty’s vibrant, beautiful life by spending time together outdoors, one of her favorite things to do. No flowers, please, as many loved ones have severe allergies & asthma. Your presence in honoring Patty is the most important thing to us. If you’d like to contribute, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: Landmark Apostolic Church missionary work: 304-676-4946 St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html Hospice of the Panhandle: https://www.hospiceotp.org/donate/

Patricia Merrbach Breeden

May 18, 1934 - July 1, 2023