Patricia Ellen (Sowers) Hadley, 73, of Nokomis, died on Monday, June 8, 2025, peacefully in her home with her husband of 52 years, John David Hadley, cat, Moose, and dog, Pork Chop, by her side.
There will be a place to gather for family condolences at The Vault (Old IGA in Nokomis) on Sunday, June 15, from noon until 4 p.m. A light lunch will be served and a brief eulogy will be read by the Rev. Myron Kirk at 2 p.m.
Mrs. Hadley was born on Oct. 6, 1951, and was raised in Franklin. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She participated in numerous collegiate athletics including field hockey and swimming. While attending EIU, Mrs. Hadley developed a love for sports and a passion for volleyball especially.
She and David were married in Franklin on July 21, 1973, and set down roots in his hometown of Nokomis. Mrs. Hadley started working at Nokomis High School in the fall of 1973 teaching health, physical education, driver’s education and special needs while also coaching volleyball. She was permanently injured in 1989, playing the volleyball sport that she loved, which sadly cut her teaching and coaching careers short.
She and her husband raised three girls: Shannon Marie Tester, Brianne Hadley Grace, and Corinne Michelle Hadley. She doted on her four grandchildren, Alexis Marie (Waterman) Marley, Cade David Tester, Finian John Patrick Grace and Declan Conor Grace; and two great-grandchildren, Baylor Patrick Marley and Braylee Marie Marley.
Mrs. Hadley loved her animals with all her being. She was passionate about vibrant colors, little twinkling lights and bringing out the beauty of the objects around her. She crafted beautiful quilts, which her family will cherish forever and helped her cope with the constant pain. The grandchildren say that she gave the best and most interesting gifts for birthdays and Christmas. While Mrs. Hadley may not be with them any longer, it is healing to her family that she is now pain free.
Mrs. Hadley was preceded in death by her parents; William Sowers, Wilma (Smith, Sowers) Seybold, Gene Seybold;
In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mrs. Hadley is survived by her surrogate mother, Lee Burton.
The family requests donations, in lieu of flowers, be sent to Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home, 200 East State Street, Nokomis, IL 62075. Condolences may be left online at www.stiehldawsonfh.com
