Patricia Carolyn Jane Spits

Patricia Carolyn Jane Spits passed away peacefully on September 16, 2013. She was born on May 27, 1919 at Fort McKinley, Philippines to Homer Roland and Florence Alma Seese. Her father was a Regular Army Officer who served during WWI. After assignments at several Army posts in the USA, the family settled in Denver, Colorado when Pat was 13. She was preceded by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Jan W. Spits, and two brothers, Jerome C. Seese and William B. Seese. In January of 1943 during WWII, Pat enlisted in the Army and became one of the first women’s Army Corps (WAC) recruits. After specialized overseas training, she left New York City on the Queen Mary for London, England in October, 1943 and was later stationed in Paris, France and Frankfort, Germany. She was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946 and married Jan W. Spits, from Zaandam, Holland on January 23, 1947 in Zaandam. The couple settled in Spokane, WA where Pat worked as a legal secretary for several years before dedicating the rest of her years in service to others as a volunteer. She was active in the Women’s Republican Club, PTA, and Camp Fire Girls and held numerous precinct and election board positions. After moving to St. Albans, WV in 1982, she continued her dedication to volunteering as a member and officer of the St. Albans Women’s Club. “Oma’s” legacy is a demonstration of love and respect for everyone, especially her family. She taught us by example how to treat each other with kindness. She is survived by her daughter, Johanna McCracken and son-in-law, Edward; Brother’ Robert Seese; granddaughter, Shannon Roberts and husband, Jay; grandson, Vance McCracken and wife, Lindsey; great grandson, Alex Roberts, great granddaughter, Caitlin Roberts, and dear friend, Elaine Hensley. Funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Cunningham Memorial Park, Lower Mausoleum Chapel, St. Albans with military honors. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 at the lower mausoleum chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston, WV 25311 or Kanawha-Charleston Animal Shelter, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311

Patricia Carolyn Jane Spits

May 27, 1919 - September 16, 2013