Patricia Havens Shidler, age 92, passed away on Nov. 28, 2023. She was born in Cicero, IN on Jan. 16, 1931, to Dr. Russell and Katherine Havens.  

Growing up, Pat’s family moved often as her father was advancing in his medical career. She said it taught her how to meet people easily and how to be independent. 
She met the love of her life, Kenneth Shidler, at Indiana University in 1952. They married the next year on June 20, 1953, one week after she graduated. As his career in retail foods advanced, they moved from Pittsburgh to Nashville, then on to Milwaukee, Omaha, Dallas and Wilton, CT. “With every move, we had a new adventure!” to quote Pat.  

In every community they lived in, Pat would use the skills she learned when she was young and would get involved immediately. She was the best example of what it looks like to give back. She was a “Professional Volunteer” and extremely good at it. She volunteered for many organizations including the local Newcomers Club, March of Dimes, United Way, Pi Beta Phi Alumni, and the National Girl Scout Council. In many of the organizations she was involved in, she would quickly become president of the local chapter. They always sought out the local Methodist church and would become fully immersed. But in Wilton, she went a step further and became a leader in Tres Dias, participating in weekend-long training groups, sharing beliefs, and teaching the Methodist ministry.  

In Wilton, Pat received the “Distinguished Citizen Award” for her work and volunteerism. She was also a successful real estate agent there. It was also in Wilton that Pat honed her cake-decorating skills and became known as “the cake lady.” Hers were always the most sought-after at the Zions Hill Methodist Church Annual Strawberry Festival cake walk.  

After retiring and moving “back home” to Bloomington, IN, Pat continued her real estate career with the Tucker group. More importantly, she was excited to get involved with her beloved Pi Beta Phi home. She served as the “house mother” for many years, overseeing improvements to the house. She was also a lifetime member of the IU Alumni Association. Additionally, Pat became deeply involved with St. Marks United Methodist Church. She was kind, caring and always available for counsel and guidance to anyone needing it. She was very stoic in her own way but had the ability to provide you with a different viewpoint so you would have the opportunity to see things from a different perspective.  

We would be remiss if we did not mention the fact that Pat, was a huge sports fan. She went to the Indy 500 a few times when she was younger, attended many IU football and basketball games, but even more, she could tell you everything going on with the Big 10 conference. She could be known to sneak in her Walkman radio so she could listen to scores during church on Sundays. Even on her last days she was asking about football scores. Unfortunately, Purdue beat IU the night before. 

When the decision came to move to Bell Trace Retirement facility, Pat immediately jumped in to volunteering on several committees. She helped with apartment design ideas and food services, helping create new menu options for residents. But Bell Trace gave back to both Pat and Ken in ways for which we will be forever grateful. Pat struggled with macular degeneration (which affects your vision) and the staff, Anna Martin specifically, would always help her order food from Kroger. In addition, the Bell Trace Family-First Senior Living facility has a long-term care program whose staff took amazing care of both Ken and Pat.  

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, her first-born daughter, Deb, and her husband of 70 years, Ken Shidler. She is survived by her brother, Robert F. Havens (Nancy); children Nancy (Jack), Doug (Trish) and Jenn (Jim); son-in-law Dave Burkhart; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  

The Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church of Bloomington on April 13, 2024, at 2 p.m.. 100 IN-46, Bloomington, IN 47408. It will be available to view live online.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bell Trace Family-First Living Center or St. Marks United Methodist Church, both in Bloomington, IN.  

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends online.