Patsy Ruth (Plank) Pilger, 83, of St. James, Mo., passed away suddenly, on April 25, 2024, at the Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Mo.

Patsy was born on March 18, 1941, to Dillon Plank and Grace (Tomlinson) Plank in St. Louis, Mo.  She was a 1959 graduate of John F. Hodge High School in St. James, Mo.  Patsy married Earl David Pilger in 1960 on September 11 at the First Baptist Church in St. James, MO.  Earl and Patsy had two children, David Kent Pilger, and Kimberly Lynn Pilger.

Patsy was very caring and kind-hearted.  She was known to be soft-hearted with children. This was evident by the way she taught Sunday School classes, cared for babies in the nursery, and volunteered for VBS, as well as the Young Adults group at First Baptist Church in St. James, Mo.  Patsy and her family were members of the church for many years.  Patsy also had a special place in her heart for music.  She had a knack for singing and performing. She loved singing in the church choir and performing solo specials during services.  One of Patsy's most prized memories was singing at Meramec Caverns.  Area church choirs in Phelps County entered a competition held at the caverns.  As a part of the competition, Patsy and her choir had the opportunity to perform in the "Big Room" at Meramec Caverns.

Patsy worked at the bank as a teller for many years.  After leaving the bank, she worked for Coke-a-Cola and Delano's. In Patsy's free time, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, and reading.  Her favorite sewing projects include cross stitch and embroidery.

Patsy Ruth (Plank) Pilger is survived by her husband Earl David Pilger; son David Kent Pilger of St. James Mo.; grandchildren Cherie Nicole Pierce and husband Shane, Damon Michael Thomas and wife Shelby, and Keyshawn Michael Smith; great-grandchildren Hope Elizabeth Pierce, Roman Josiah Thomas, and Elijah Thomas; sister Janet Grace Snelson of St. James, Mo.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Dillon Plank and Grace (Tomlison) Plank; daughter, Kimberly Lynn Pilger; brother, Louis Eugene Plank; and sisters, Helen Faye Plank and Joyce Ann Wiseman.

Memorial service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Jones Funeral Home with Stephen Brubaker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Senior Companion Program in Rolla, Mo.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richard Jones of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.