Patricia “Patty” Capps Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Patricia “Patty” Anne Capps, 91, of Pittsfield, Illinois. Patty passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Illini Hospital.
Born on July 12, 1934, in Flint Township to William Eldon and Leona (Speer) Sleight, Patty lived a rich and active life. She graduated from Griggsville High School and attended Western Illinois University. She was first married to Dale W. “Toby” Smith, with whom she had two children, Stephen and Stephanie. She later married Robert Capps.
Patty had a long and successful career, working in the Barry, Griggsville, and Pittsfield school districts. She later served as a secretary for Cecil Burrows and then as Assistant Manager of the Federal Land Bank Association of Pittsfield-Quincy for many years.
A longtime and faithful member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church, Patty was actively involved in many church projects and community organizations. She served on the Junior Parentals, the Cancer Board (helping with the annual Cancer Drive), and the Community Center Board. She was also an active member of the Old Orchard Country Club, where she chaired the Ladies Day Golf events, and she loved helping with Labor Day festivities.
Patty had many talents and hobbies. She was an accomplished needlepointer, knitter, crocheter, seamstress, and upholsterer. She enjoyed playing Bridge, golfing, water skiing, working puzzles, and reading. But above everything else, Patty loved her family. She never missed a basketball game, dance recital, music concert, or any event involving her grandchildren. Her family was truly her world.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Jerry Ator) Bess of Pittsfield; granddaughters Kristen Smith, Amy Cox, Ashlee (Michael) Nash, Emily (Katie) Fox, and Erica Bess; many great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchild Bellamy Nash; and several nieces and nephews.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, son Stephen D. Smith, sisters Norma Pool and Dalene Goewey, brother John Wesley, half-sister Gladys Marie Huffman, and grandson-in-law Jeff Cox.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Interment will follow at Pittsfield West Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pittsfield United Methodist Church or the Pittsfield West Cemetery.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Stephanie, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of Patty’s family and friends. She lived a beautiful life and will be deeply missed.
Rest in peace, Patty. Your love, energy, and warm spirit will never be forgotten.
