So often people have the tendency to look at the elderly and forget that they too were children once; but Patti Vonachen-Bible never lost the spirit and love of a child. She had an unshakeable faith in her Heavenly Father, that kept in her the beautiful spirit of a child all her days. Her story began when her dad, Rudolph Vonachen, passed away suddenly. Patti had just turned six years old. Her mother, Eileen, grief-stricken, did her best, but her siblings Debbie, Jack, Bobbie, and Jeannie had to raise one another growing up. That loss shaped her younger years, and consequently, after she graduated high school in Peoria, Illinois, she began a journey searching for something more. She backpacked across the country, camped and hiked through forests, paddled her way down rapids, climbed Mount Shasta, and marveled at purple hues cast by ocean sunsets. The road steadied her spirit and offered periods of reflection. Quietly, God was calming the storm in her heart and instilling passions that lasted throughout her life. She eventually landed in Phoenix, earning a B.S. in outdoor recreation through Arizona State University. Ever restless, she made her way to Montana, where she found what she had been searching for all along……God. For those of you reading this, don't jump in the car just yet, as I can assure you God doesn't own a cabin in Montana; but that is where Patti heard the gospel. The void she carried with her for so long was filled by the love and spirit of Christ. She would often say that the best day of her life was the day she was baptized, because in that moment she felt the sorrows of her past washed away forever. Soon after, she gave away all her possessions and became a minister sharing the Gospel story with others all over the United States. During this time, God blessed her with the family she'd always yearned for and a tender countenance many adored. It forever solidified her love of Christ and the Father. Eventually, she left the ministry. Ever the adventurer and always wanting to help others, she explored the lush mountains of Oregon for a time before settling in Tri-cities, WA, where she received a B.S. in nursing. During this time, she exchanged letters with a friend back east she'd met years before in a Gospel meeting, Keith Bible. Through a mutual love of Christ, they fell in love and were wed in Illinois. They moved to a sleepy Oceanside town in Massachusetts, where her daughter Sarah was born. A couple of years later, they moved to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where her son Nathan was born. Her children were the center of her world. In them, she discovered the joys of being a mother, which she cherished eternally. Their ranch-style home was always bustling. All were welcome, and Jessie, a sweet Collie, was the first to greet you at the door, followed quickly by Patti's beaming smile and bubbly laugh. It was a hub for friends, ministers, family members, and often those who had nowhere else to go. You'd often find Patti sitting by the fireplace intently listening to someone speak of their struggles, then quietly; she'd offer encouragement and a hug. Patti always ended and began each day talking to God. Through prayer, Patti received everything needed to live. And she always prayed for others. After a lifetime of healing and helping cardiac patients, Patti retired from nursing. She and her husband bought a piece of land just outside of Lynchburg, TN on beautiful Tim's Ford Lake. Patti spent her last days there kayaking under blue skies with her dog Kiki in her lap, spending time with her children, and visiting her mother in the nearby nursing home. What Patti loved most about the area were her friends in Christ and the ministers who spoke the gospel story, which was a heavenly song unto her soul. She is survived by her husband Keith, daughter Sarah and her husband Logan Foster, son Nathan, and a multitude of family, friends, and ministers she uplifted all through her life.

Services will be held at Lynchburg Funeral Home located at 1630 Fayetteville HWY Lynchburg, TN 37352. Everyone is encouraged to attend and all will be welcome to gather in remembrance of Patti's wonderful life. Visitation will begin at 12:30, followed by services at 2:30, with the burial to immediately follow and a catered dinner for any and all that can stay. For those who are unable to attend in person, please call 857-347-0510 to view the service.

Visitation
OCT 10. 12:30 PM - 2:20 PM (CST)

Funeral Service
OCT 10. 2:30 PM (CST)
Lynchburg Funeral Home
1630 Fayetteville Hwy
Lynchburg, TN 37352
[email protected]

Cemetery Details
Beech Hill Cemetery
1640 Galloway Lane
Winchester, TN 37398