Patricia Agatha Derks Wells passed away November 28, 2024 surrounded by her family.  Pat was born on the farm home on top of a hill in the Clyde, MO, area on June 12, 1924 to Theodore Derks and Matilda Walters Derks.  She was the first of seven children.  They farmed in the Conception-Stanberry area.  As a child Pat, enjoyed any opportunity to play with her much loved cousins which were numerous.

Pat moved to St. Joseph after graduation from high school, moved in with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill Stains and three daughters.  She found work at Stuppys Greenhouse, which she loved working with the flowers.  When a fourth child, a boy was born to the Stains - Pat found an apartment for herself.  Pat met the love of her life and married Chester M. Wells on June 22, 1951.  Patricia helped with raising Chester's three sons, Lynn (Sharon), Von (Jane), and Wayne (Dorothy) Wells.

They were the proud parents of Constance Wells (Arthur Schottel, companion), Gary (Nancy Lawson) Wells, Michael (Cindy Ott) Wells, Kenneth (Jami Rottinghaus) Wells, Steven Wells,  and Scott (Tara Gillespie) Wells.

In August of 1959 they purchased a farm in Union Star and moved to the farm.  Pat enjoyed homemaking, canning, and freezing fruits and vegetables from her very large garden.  She kept chickens for eggs and bought chicks in the spring for frying later.

During the years in Union Star, Pat took her family to church in St. Joseph, or Ford City, or Stanberry.  The church in Ford City, St. Patrick was one of her favorites.  She was a member of the Altar Society at St. Patricks.  Later in life (2010) Pat moved to St. Joseph and continued with church at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, working in the food pantry and an active member of the Ladies Altar Society.

Patricia was preceded in death by Chester (1976), her parents, brothers Theo, Cleo, Earl, Francis, and Walter Derks and her sister Athea Derks Kerns.  Also Pat's three stepsons, Lynn, Von, and Wayne Wells, and a step-grandson Craig Wells.  Triplet babies Holly, Heather, and Jennifer Farrier (Connie's children) along with Ruby Kate and Whitney Kate Wells (Scott and Tara's daughters),  and niece Cecila Derks.

Survivors are Pat and Chet's children and spouses, grandchildren Dustin (Shyann), Doren (Rachel), Daman, Kyle Wells, Kortni Wells Eppersen (Logan), Beth Farrier Bell (Bret), Brian Wells, Bridget Wells Jobes (Brian), Brent (Maggie) Wells, and Jesse Wells.  Great-grandchildren, Kole and Karli Wells, Brilynn and Jase Wells, Brody and Briggs Wells, Kate Jobes, Harrison and Addie Wells, Haley and Cameron Bell, Knox, Porter and Ayla Epperson and 16 step-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions would be appreciated to Food Pantry, or Altar Society at Cathedral, or Charity of the Donor's choice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 10:00 am at Cathedral of St. Joseph.  Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am before the Mass at church.  Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

The Rosary will also be recited Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where the visitation will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.