Patricia Ann Giertz

Patricia Ann Giertz

July 22, 1947 – June 5, 2026

Patricia Ann Giertz, age 78, of Portage, Indiana, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. She was born on July 22, 1947, to the late Edgar and Irene (nee Johnson) Watkins.

Patricia was a proud 1965 graduate of Portage High School and went on to serve her community for many years, retiring as a custodian from Willowcreek Middle School. A woman of deep faith, she was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She most recently attended The Come Alive Family Church in Hobart for the last year. On June 2, 1990, she married her beloved husband, Kenneth E. Giertz, with whom she shared nearly 35 beautiful years before his passing on May 4, 2025.

Above all else, Patricia was incredibly family oriented. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her absolute world. She was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on NASCAR, softball, the Chicago Cubs, and Notre Dame. In her downtime, she enjoyed watching game shows, playing computer games, baking delicious treats, and watching heartwarming baby and animal videos on the internet. She also held a very special place in her heart for her faithful dog, Grayson.

Patricia faced cancer with incredible bravery. She was a true fighter who never gave up, inspiring everyone around her with her strength and resilience.

She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Antonia "Toni" (Victor Sr.) Roman and Tamara (Kevin) Cook; her cherished grandchildren, Alexandra (Trent) Howard, Jasmine (Byron) Garrett, Victor (Jasmin) Roman Jr., Vanessa Roman, and Tiana Crook; and her adored great-grandchildren, Eli Howard, Ezekiel Howard, Manoa Roman, Hosea Roman, and Roman Garrett. She is also survived by her mother, Irene Watkins; two brothers, Ralph Watkins and Roger Watkins; and two sisters, Carolyn Katz, Debra Bitikofer and Donna Bell and dear friend Bonnie Layman.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth E. Giertz; her granddaughter, Stefani Crook; her brother, Ray Watkins; two sisters, Brenda Maupin and Kathy Watkins, and brothers-in-law, Frank Bell and Marvin Maupin; and her father, Edgar Watkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Come Alive Family Church, 3580 W 61st Ave, Hobart, IN 46342.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Cremation has been entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, Indiana 46368. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.