Patricia Louise Wells, 93, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10th 2026, surrounded by family. Patty was born on September 14, 1932, to Leonard and Emma Lucile Miller in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Patty grew up in Poplar Bluff and graduated from high school there. A young man playing the bass drum in the marching band caught her eye, and love blossomed. In 1951, at the age of 19, Patricia married James Edwin Wells, her high school sweetheart and partner for 70 years, until his passing in November 2021.

James was drafted into the Army, and just a few days after the wedding, had to report to boot camp. James was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he and Patty lived in a tiny travel trailer. When James was discharged from the Army, they settled back in Poplar Bluff. James was hired to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone. The company moved James, Patty, and their five girls to numerous towns around Missouri, at times purchasing a house and living there for only 6 months, and moving again. James would report to his new job, and Patty would get the house sold, everything packed up, and moved along with five little girls. James retired to Springfield after completing 30 years at Southwestern Bell. Patty and James traveled to all 50 states and beyond.

Patty was a great mother and friend to everyone she met. She was best known for being kind and caring. Patty and James were longtime members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Springfield and active members of the Ozark Coin Club and Ozark Mountain Stamp Club. Patty enjoyed collecting unusual seashells and taking pictures and documents there many travels.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband, James; parents Leonard and Emma Lucile; and daughter Elizabeth Trucks and sons-in-law Glenn Miller, George Browne, and Marshal Trucks.

Patty will be deeply missed by her four daughters, Deborah Wells of Republic, Rebecca Logan and Jane Browne of Springfield, Susan Miller of Ozark, her brother Gary Miller and his wife Joyce of Lee’s Summit, son-in-law Mike Logan of Springfield, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Friday, July 17th, 2026. Visitation at 11:00 a.m., service at Noon, directly followed by burial at Hazelwood Cemetery. Lunch and a celebration of life will follow at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S. Dayton Ave. Springfield, Missouri.