Patricia M. Agler
Patricia M. Agler, 90 of Prospect, died Sunday September 5, 2021 at her home.
Pat was born June 22, 1931, in Waldo, to Clifford E. and Sarah Genevieve “Jane” (Reed) Graham. She was a 1949 graduate of Waldo High School, and following graduation, attended Bowling Green University.
On August 19, 1951, she married William H. “Bill” Agler at Waldo United Methodist Church. Bill preceded her in death in 1999.
In 1951, in the midst of a teacher shortage brought on by the Great Depression, World War II, and a post-war baby boom, Pat was recruited to a teaching career after just two years of college. At age 20, and not yet old enough to vote, she became a fifth-grade teacher at Prospect School. Some of her former Prospect students became close personal friends in her later years.
She taught second grade in Wilmington, Oh, where she and Bill relocated in 1953. In 1963 and following the birth of her three children, she returned to the classroom to become the first kindergarten teacher at Radnor as it became part of Buckeye Valley School District. About this time, she “returned” to college to complete her degree, attending Ohio State Marion, one class at a time, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1972.
In 1968, she began teaching kindergarten at Pleasant, retiring in 1988. Following retirement, she remained committed to the education for young children by teaching Sunday School at Prospect Methodist Church, helping to start the church’s preschool, and also through the children’s program at Marion’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group.
She was a steadfast supporter of her children and grandchildren through their many endeavors. She was a great fan of basketball and likely attended hundreds of games over the years and watching many more on television.
She is survived by three children: Susan (Jim) Wright of Delaware, Brian (Robin) Agler of Worthington, and Brent (Carole) Agler of Marion; seven grandchildren: Wesley (Emily) Wright, Whitney Wright (Clint) Betlej, Will (Pia) Wright; Bryce (Riley Neuheardt) Agler, Taylor (fiancé Taylor Mummert) Agler; Maddie (Kyle) Smith, and Drew Agler; and five great-grandchildren: Henry, Oliver, and Frances Wright, Barrett Betlej, and Nolan Smith. She also is survived by a sister, Vera Cooper, of Marion, and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved like her own children.
In addition to her husband, she also was predeceased by a sister, Natalia Clunk, in 2020.
The family would also like to acknowledge her special friends around Prospect, especially Merle and Diana Dutt, Gary Carr, and Sylvia Harmon; Sue Ahmay for making her look beautiful for many years; and caregivers Shelly Fetter, Tiffany Potter, Tiffany King, and others through OhioHealth Hospice.
She loved Prospect and its park, her church, her family, and friends. She was a generous donor to many community organizations.
Public graveside services will be held Wednesday September 8, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Prospect Cemetery, Rev. Daniel Kiger will officiate.
A Celebration of Life service and cookout for Pat will be held Thursday Oct. 14, 2021, at the Prospect Park, from 5 to 7 p.m. Food will be provided, with the Prospect Lions Club serving hamburgers and hot dogs. A brief recognition service will be held at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Brian Agler at Brianagler@aol.com.
Memorial gifts are suggested to the Prospect Park Fund at the Marion Community Foundation (504 S. State Street, Marion), Prospect United Methodist Church, and Elgin High School Athletic Boosters or Alumni Scholarship Fund.
The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Prospect is assisting the family.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home