She touched the lives of countless youths in Van Wert, Ohio, during a 29-year career at the Van Wert County YMCA, but it was her vibrant smile and positive attitude that left a lasting impression upon those she met. She was known in the community as Pat.

Patricia Ann Couts, 84, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2019 at Park Place Senior Retirement Living Community in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She was born on March 20, 1935 in Putnam County, Ohio, the daughter of Virgil and Helen (Bragg) Vance from Vaughnsville, Ohio, who both preceded her in death. She married Leon Jay Couts of Venedocia, Ohio on November 14, 1953, who died on September 15, 1992.

Survivors include a daughter, Bonnie (Don) McEvoy of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and son, Rodney (Linda) Couts of Carlsbad, California; granddaughters, Megan (Ryan) Engelberth of Warsaw, Indiana and Shannon (Jordan) Roberts of Southaven, Mississippi; five great grandchildren, Deegan, Derrick and Carley Engelberth of Warsaw, IN and Barret Roberts of Southaven, MS; brother Edgar (Norma) Vance of Vaughnsville; and devoted companion of more than 20 years, Don Dahlinghaus of Celina, Ohio.

Patricia was preceded in death by two sisters, Dolores "Dee" Hoffman of Delphos, Ohio and Colleen Amey of Russells Point, Ohio.

Pat retired from the Van Wert YMCA in 1995 and remained devoted to its mission until her passing. After retiring, she volunteered at the Van Wert County Hospital and the American Red Cross.

She was an accomplished seamstress, avid pianist, sang in perfect harmony and was equally majestic on the dance floor. She and Jay, her loving husband of 39 years, enjoyed traveling and together toured 49 U.S. states. Pat would visit her 50th, Alaska, in 2004 with her immediate family. She treasured the addition of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center to Van Wert, attending numerous events over the years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, in Van Wert at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2019. Family visitation begins at 10:00 a.m.

A memorial service will be held in her honor beginning at 1 p.m., December 14, 2019 in the Keltner/Good Upper Lobby of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert. All who knew her are welcomed to attend.

Preferred memorials are to Van Wert County YMCA and the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund at HeartlandHospiceFund.org/Donate.

Condolences may be emailed to pattissmile@yahoo.com.