Patricia Ann (Smith) Spitler

Patricia Ann (Smith) Spitler, age 90, of Oxford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Born on a spring day in Toledo, Ohio on March 26, 1934, to Donald C. and Florence D. (Daggett) Smith, Patricia—known affectionately as "Pat" or "Patti"—was a proud graduate of DeVilbiss High School in Toledo and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in Columbus. It was during her days as a Dental Hygienist in Toledo that fate blessed her with the love of her life, Guy D. Spitler Jr., whom she met at the wedding of their cherished mutual friends. Pat and Guy wed on June 9, 1957, in Toledo, creating a love story that would span nearly five decades. They built their lives together in Bowling Green and Perrysburg before making their beloved Oxford home in 1965, when Guy accepted a position at his alma-mater, Miami University.

In childhood, Pat cherished her summers at Willow Beach on Lake Erie with her adoring parents and extended family. It was here she learned to swim and developed a lifelong love for “the water”—be it majestic oceans, swimming pools, or the lake at Hueston Woods.

Pat’s years in Oxford were dedicated to her family and community. With Guy, she raised two daughters – Sheryl and Cindy – and eventually returned to practicing dental hygiene in Oxford and the surrounding area. Pat deeply cared for the health and welfare of her patients, and enjoyed getting to know each of them. For over 40 wonderful years, Pat created bonds that transcended professional relationships and blossomed into precious friendships that she held dear to her heart.

Pat’s greatest joys were socializing and spending time with her family and friends—some dating back to her grade school and high school days in Toledo. Pat was devoted to her volunteer work with the Miami University Women's Club, The McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the Oxford Presbyterian Church choir. Pat shared her love of water, music, and horses with her daughters, and eventually her grandchildren. Her encouragement and active participation resulted in many fun, and memorable, adventures for the family. Time spent with Pat was never short on laughter, and often resulted in a good story.

In March 2024, family and friends gathered at Woodland Country Manor to celebrate her 90th birthday. Pat was a dessert enthusiast to the end; and adopted the practice of her sister-in-law Carol to sometimes have “dessert first, dinner second.”

Her unwavering devotion to The Ohio State University and passionate support of OSU football Buckeyes brought her immense joy. It was no surprise to her family that Pat felt at peace and ready for her next chapter after the Buckeyes reclaimed their rightful place as National Champions in January.

Pat's legacy lives on through her adoring daughters, Sheryl (Glen) Mabry and Cynthia Spitler (David) Werth; her precious grandchildren who were the light of her life, Alyssa (Brian) Cornett, Connor (Mark Nowicki) Werth, and Katherine Werth; and her beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were family in her heart. Pat has now reunited with her parents; her devoted husband of almost 50 years, Guy D. Spitler, Jr.; and the many cherished friends who preceded her to heaven's gates.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to the compassionate staff at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital and Woodland Country Manor for surrounding Pat with extraordinary care and kindness.

A public celebration of Pat's beautiful life will be held at a later date.

Pat will find eternal peace as she is laid to rest with her beloved parents and husband near the tranquil reflecting pond at Toledo Memorial Park—a fitting final resting place for a soul who found such joy in water's embrace.

To honor Pat's generous spirit and lasting legacy, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Presbyterian Church Choir Fund at www.onrealm.org/oxfordpresbychurch , The Ohio State University College of Dentistry/The Ohio State Fund for Dental Hygiene at www.osu.edu/giving , or to a charity that speaks to your heart.

Oxford Presbyterian Church
101 North Main Street, Oxford OH 45056
Tel: 1-513-523-6364
Email: office@oxfordpresbychurch.org
Web: https://onrealm.org/oxfordpresbychurch/-/form/give/now