April 16, 1923 – July 28, 2023
Wife of Rev. Lloyd M. Schloop, Patricia Vance Schloop passed away on July 28, 2023 at the age or 100.
Patricia (Pat) was born on April 16, 1923, on the family farm in Echo Township, Antrim County, the daughter of Vernon and Ruth C. Vance with siblings Barton, Jane, and Bryce. Her childhood on a subsistence farm was enriched by her mischievous pranks and deep family bond. In 1936, FDR’s electrification of rural Michigan led her to become a lifelong progressive Democrat.
In 1942, she graduated from East Jordan High School, then worked at the East Jordan creamery to earn money for nurse’s training. At Traverse City State and Munson Hospital, she attended nursing school earning her diploma and RN license in 1944. She extended her education at the University of Michigan, with additional course work in Lansing and Detroit, training in public health. Pat’s lifelong love affair with driving began while commuting the rural roads of Michigan.
On August 30, 1947, she married Rev. Lloyd M. Schloop at the East Jordan Methodist Church; an unlikely union of the adventurous, head-strong, game-loving Pat with the thoughtful, purposeful minister. While Lloyd was a circuit rider with churches in Levering, Cross Village, and Mackinac, Pat worked as an RN at Little Traverse Hospital.
They soon accepted the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to lead the English Language Non-denominational church of Lima, Peru. Leaving northern Michigan with 9-month-old Paul, they lived in Lima for 3 years where Philip and Faith were born. Due to health considerations, the family returned to minister in Charlevoix and Greensky Hill in 1952. John was born in 1956. In 1961 Margaret was born in Jackson.
Their lives in the church mandated frequent moves and so they experienced many communities. Pastoral assignments took the family to Vicksburg, Niles, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek.
She valued a woman having an independent income; Pat worked nights as a registered nurse. She and Lloyd had a partnership tag-team raising their 5 children and while sharing family finances, it was Pat who pinched the pennies. There are fond memories of canning vegetables, a tub full of homemade bread dough, roadside picnics, and camping vacations.
She loved to sing in church choirs and work on mission and service programs. Her trips to Haiti and England with Lloyd were highlights. After their retirements in 1984, they split their time between homes in East Jordan and Zephyrhills, Florida. Unfortunately, retirement plans were derailed after Lloyd had a series of strokes; Pat sustained him with soup and her nursing expertise for the next 20 years. Lloyd died on August 24, 2003, after 56 years of marriage.
Subsequently, she split her time between Clark Retirement at Franklin in Grand Rapids and her home in East Jordan where she maintained her love of singing, handcrafts, gardening, and views of Lake Charlevoix. With the support of her children, grands and great-grands, Pat continued to enjoy her flowers up north. This East Jordan matriarch, who loved dice and Skip-Bo, telling and publishing stories, orchestrated generations of family gatherings.
A member of East Jordan United Methodist Church, she also attended North Lawn United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids and loved vespers at Bay View. She was an active participant and leader in Bible studies, choir, and services at Clark.
She achieved her goal of celebrating her 100th birthday embraced by family; her death while expected was sudden. She is survived by her 5 children, Paul (Susan) Schloop of Moline, Philip (Mindy LePere) Schloop of Detroit, Faith (Richard) Wyka of Fremont, Ohio, John (Julie) Schloop of Roscommon, and Margaret (Thomas) Shook of Loves Park, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren plus 1 more due in October; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the East Jordan United Methodist Church. Rev. Karen Herriman will officiate with interment at Sunset Hill Cemetery, East Jordan.
Visitation will be held at the East Jordan United Methodist Church on Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the United Methodist Committee on Relief Mission Fund or East Jordan United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Last Updated on July 31, 2023