Patricia Garrity

Patricia Jo Garrity, 94, of Dixie County, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Bell, and a faithful believer and enthusiastic musician all her life. She was born July 6, 1930, in Bloomfield, Indiana, and divided most of her earlier years between Linton, Indiana, and Detroit, Michigan, where she met and married the love of her life, James, in 1950. They were married for 73 years, shared the same birthday, and together visited every state in America. After starting their marriage in Michigan, they moved their family to South Florida, where she and James raised their five children. They moved north to Dixie County in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew destroyed their home in Homestead, Florida. From an early age, Patricia's love for music, especially the piano, was undeniable. Raised by musically gifted parents who nurtured her natural talent, she devoted years to honing her craft. Whether playing in churches, in her own living room, or even at her assisted living home in the final year of her life, Patricia’s music brought joy and comfort to all who heard it. Her piano playing was not just a gift; it was a way of sharing her love and uplifting the spirits of friends, family, and strangers alike. The happiness she spread through her music was one of the most cherished parts of her life. Patricia and James were very active in The Florida Trails Association and embarked on countless hiking and paddling adventures across the U.S. and around the world. The couple volunteered for the U.S. Forest Service as wilderness guards in Alaska, Washington, Colorado, Michigan and Minnesota. James guided Patricia in becoming a skilled camper and canoeist, while Patricia inspired James to develop a deep appreciation for music—especially her own. A creative spirit through and through, Patricia also found joy in sewing, knitting, painting, and leading youth and children’s choirs. She was the heart of the family—the one who never forgot a card, made endless phone calls, wrote funny notes, and ensured everyone felt cherished. Her unwavering sense of humor, spirited determination, and genuine kindness uplifted everyone she met. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James R. Garrity, and her son, Edward F. Garrity. She is survived by her daughters Kathleen Tuttle (Robert Tuttle), Laura Harding, Genevieve Garrity, and Mary Mason (Roger Mason); her 13 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Rev. Billy Philman will honor Patricia’s life at Sunday service on February 2, 2025 at New Hope Baptist Church in Bell, Florida. On Monday, February 3, 2025, family will attend a private service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Patricia Garrity

July 6, 1930 - January 9, 2025