FIFTH GENERATION

40. Patricia Lee Marquis was born on Nov 11 1938 in Elgin, Kane County, Illinois. Grace Marquis tells the story when Patricia was born. She said that her mother-in-law, Hannah Marquis, was with her in the room at Sherman Hospital that was used until she was moved to the delivery room. Hannah held her hand and gave Grace some instructions on how to push. She started into labor the previous day and the doctor that delivered Patricia even suggested that they go home and come back when things were progressing further. Grace didn't much go for the idea and Patricia's father Lyman didn't either.

The doctor then suggested a concoction of orange juice and quinine to get the delivery over with. Grace agreed and gulped the ordered beverage. Soon it worked. Patricia was born on Friday, 3:30 pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Her middle name is given for her uncle Charles Leland Marquis who was known as Uncle Lee to the family.
She was educated in 1956 in Elgin, Kane County, Illinois. Washington Grade School, Abbott Junior High, Ellis Junior High and Elgin High School all in , Elgin, Kane County, Illinois. She was baptized on Aug 18 1974 in Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois. Patricia was baptized at Valley Baptist Church by Rev. Roy L. Chestnut. She was a Service Representative in 1975 in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. Patricia has worked in customer service for Oatman's Dairy, Aurora, Illinois, Illinois Bell, Aurora, Illinois - retired, and Jones Intercable, Naperville, Illinois. She was an Independent Baptist in 1996 in Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois. Patricia worshipped and served at Valley Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Roy L. Chestnut. Pastor Chestnut has been a dear pastor, leader and friend to Pat and her boys. His prayers and the prayers of her church have helped her during many difficult times. Pat also went on a mission trip for Valley Baptist Church to northern Mexico where she helped poor Mexican children and also helped spread the Gospel.

Patricia tells the story of her Uncle Bill Marquis (William Hillary Marquis) as being the first person to take her to church and Sunday School. Each Sunday, Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary would pick her up for services. She remembers one Sunday morning they were having communion and Uncle Bill would not let her have any of the bread and wine. After church when Patricia went home, she told her father Lyman Marquis that they ate at church and Uncle Bill would not let her have any food! Many precious memories are for those that take time to take little ones to the house of the Lord.

Patricia taught Sunday School for over twenty years at Valley Baptist. At one point in 1991, a student of Patricia's wrote a letter to the Aurora Beacon-News to tell of how wonderful a teacher she was. This caught the interest of a reporter and he came to visit her Sunday School class. He took pictures and then wrote the following article:

Patricia Robbins leads her Sunday school class at Valley Baptist Church. "This Sunday School Class Gets a Message of Love"

By Tom Hernandez
The Beacon-News (Aurora, Illinois)
OSWEGO - About 10 minutes before Sunday school is to begin, a red yo-yo flits from 8-year-old T.J. Arnold's fist like a snake's tongue. As Sunday school teacher Patricia Robbins approaches, T.J.'s yo-yo performs for onlookers like an Olympic gymnast on the rings. Dashing down its string, it re-turns quickly, then vaults high in the air, circling Arnold's hand before returning home, its tight, red arc carrying it flirtatiously close to a surprised onlooker. Robbins does not reprimand the child. Rather she praises his considerable ability. "He’s our yo-yo champ" she beams to the guest, her hands proudly clamped to T.J.'s shoul-ders.

Robbins doles out equal doses of praise and affection with the introductions of each of the children in her class, most 6 to 9 years old. After 12 years of teaching Sunday School at Oswego's Valley Baptist Church, Robbins said, she has learned one simple message - not surprisingly, one of Jesus' own - which seems to serve her best in trying to teach the kids about Christ.

"I try teaching that those who give love gather love," she said. As routine as it sounds, Rob-bins said, many children have an unclear concept of love. It’s not just our church," she said, "kids all over - their parents are so busy, you know, climbing the corporate ladder or things, that they don't always pay as much attention to their kids."

Robbins, 50, knows about working, having mothered four sons and grandmothered five children ranging in age from 11 years to 1 year. A sixth is on the way. The 30-year Boulder Hill resident retired two years ago after working 26 years as a service representative for Illinois Bell.

So, her students notice when she takes time "to listen, to their little stories. Even as insignificant as they may seem to me, it's really something either exciting to the kid or a major problem." "Some of them come in here and they've never really heard that anybody even really loves them," Robbins said, somewhat incredulously. "I just try to show them I really care about them." And they care about her. A lot.

Nine-year-old Sheryl, Awalt even took the time to write a letter to The Beacon-News praising Robbins for her teaching methods, including bringing children to her home to learn about the 60-plus varieties of plants in her yard, including rare prairie flowers and 37 varieties of roses. "She is always happy and loves kids. She always listens to us when we 'tell her about school and our friends. I know she cares 'for kids because she always says ‘Hi" and talks to kids at church. Other big people just pass the kids and never look down at us," Awalt wrote.

Robbins admits that is, pretty high praise, but she said she enjoys earning it, though she often is exhausted after a class session. No wonder. A recent class saw about 30 children pile into a tiny basement room at the church, many of them carting Bibles a tad too big for their plump little palms. After a series of boisterous songs accompanied by plenty of clapping, stomping and marching, Robbins asked a few students to recite various verses beginning with certain letters of the alphabet making seemingly complex theology "simple as ABC." she said.

The simple trick is effective with children, used to television who demand exciting, colorful presence to keep their interest, Robbins said. "Kids can memorize really fast at that age." Robbins also teaches with puppets, and often allows the children to act out some of the Bible's miracles. "They all want to be Jesus healing the blind," she said, because he spat in his hands, according to the Gospel of Mark. Her students also get to learn crafts and color, two favorite activities, Robbins said. But she always tries to work in a lesson with each activity, such as suggesting that they give their works of art to a sick or elderly neighbor or relative.

Most importantly, Awalt's letter says, Robbins "is teaching us kids that we are never too little. or too young to help other people." She often takes students to local nursing homes to visit with patients and perform puppet shows for them. The activity is so popularly Awalt said in her letter, that. "the people don't like for us to leave. Mrs. Robbins tells us it's a nice way to make the Grandmas and Grandpas happy and smile."

She died on Oct 26 1996 in Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois. Patricia died on a Saturday at 7:45 am. She died of Pneumonia that was brought on by a long battle with breast cancer. She was hospitalized the last five months of her life under the care of the Rush-Copley Cancer Care Center nurses in Aurora and then the Tillers Skilled Nursing Center in Oswego. She lived 57 years, 11 months and 15 days.

Her final days were spent going in and out of consciousness, but she spoke most of Heaven and her Lord Jesus Christ. She spoke (although jumbled at times) of going home and having Christmas with her dad (Lyman Marquis).

Two days before she died (it was a beautiful sunny Thursday morning), she woke up to pray three incredible prayers. The first was a wonderful prayer of thanksgiving for her family, her church, and for her life in Christ. The second was a prayer of thanks for her family's salvation and she also prayed for the lost members of her family, that they would be saved. Her third and final spoken prayer was a prayer of forgiveness. She prayed for her own forgiveness of sins and that the Lord would receive her.

What an incredible experience to hear those precious prayers lifted up from one who was so taken over by cancer as she lay at death's door. It was real and obvious that her faith was in Jesus Christ to the very end. She provided a real witness to faith and of how to face death as a passing from suffering to that of being in the very arms of God.

By her side the last week of her life was her mother Grace Marquis, her sister Peg Gowran, her sister Kathy Krogh, her brother Tom Marquis, her cousin, Helen Ferreira. Also there for her were three of her four sons, Daniel, Steve, and Mike Robbins. Her grandson Jeff Robbins stood by her where his dad did not. In addition, her dear neighbor Charlene Lightfoot was there. Charlene was the only one that could feed her a spoon of food. Paula Pike was also there along with many that were praying for her comfort.

She Obituary on Oct 28 1996 in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois.
Patricia L. Robbins
Montgomery (Illinois)

Patricia L. Robbins, age 57 of Montgomery, died Saturday, October 26, 1996 at The Tillers in Oswego. She was born Nov. 11, 1938 in Elgin.

Mrs. Robbins was employed at Illinois Bell Telephone Co. as a service representative until she retired, due to health reasons, in 1985 after 25 years of service. She was a member of Valley Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher for over 20 years.

Twice she was voted Mother of the Year by the Church Family. She was also a member of the Boulder Hill Garden Club (she was a consistent winner with her rose growing talents during the Oswego Days festivi-ties) and the Fox Bend Woman's golf league. She attended all school levels in Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School, Class of 1956. She accepted Christ into her life as a high school student and was baptized in 1972 by the Rev. Roy Chestnut.

Survivors included four sons, Daniel (Marcia) Robbins of Macon, Ga., Jeffrey Robbins of Wheaton, Ill., Steven (Suzanne) Robbins of Hinckley, Ill. and Michael Robbins of Montgomery, Ill.; five grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Bradley, Grace and Eric Robbins, all at home; her mother, Grace N. Marquis of Elgin, Ill.; two sisters, Margaret Gowran of Oswego and Kathryn (Kenneth) Krogh of Elgin, Ill.; a brother, Thomas (Jeanne) Marquis of Huntley, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Lyman E. Marquis. She was buried on Oct 29 1996 in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. Patricia's newspaper obituary for the Aurora Beacon News stated:

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1996 at 10 a.m. at the Valley Baptist Church, Wolf and Douglas roads, in Oswego, with the Rev. Dennis Cocks officiating. Burial will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, Ill. Visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 28, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Valley Baptist Church in Oswego. Memorials may be directed to the Valley Baptist Church Children's Sunday School in Mrs. Robbins' name. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to McKeown-Dunn Funeral Home Ltd. in Oswego.

Pallbearers Were:

Honorary:
Mr. Arthur Lind, Valley Baptist Church

Mr. Thomas L. Marquis, Brother
Mr. Daniel L. Robbins, Eldest Son
Mr. Steven T. Robbins, Third Son
Mr. Michael P. Robbins, Fourth Son
Mr. Jeffrey D. Robbins, Eldest Grandson
Mr. Bobby G. Lightfoot, Long-time Neighbor

Homage was paid to Patricia Lee Robbins during her funeral with a Eulogy given by her oldest son Daniel Robbins:

"A Celebration Eulogy for Patricia L. Robbins, October 29th, 1996"

"My mother's doctor used these words to describe her battle with cancer: "You have run a good race, you have fought a good fight." This is the basis of our celebration of her life.

2nd Timothy 4:7&8 states: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

To win a race takes great effort, many people and many experiences. Her race was not in vain for now she is safely home in heaven with her Lord, the one she loved! This we celebrate.

Our family -- some who have gone on before her were her grandparents: Alexander and Hannah Marquis, Rev. Thaddeus and Abbie Stephens. She rejoices with them now as we are here.

Patricia Lee (Marquis) Robbins was born the first child of Lyman and Grace Marquis. She is now at home in heaven with her precious father. Her loving mother Grace Marquis mourns her child's passing, but she too rejoices that there is no more pain or suffering with a hope that is founded in Jesus Christ. Grammy was by her side tending to her child in the last days with the tender love of a mother.

There were many aunts and uncles that influenced her young life. She told me of many wonderful memories of her childhood where families would gather together in fellowship over such things as root beer floats or homemade treats.

My mother has two sisters, Peg and Kathy. There was an incredible love and closeness between these sisters with so many stories of fun as children, sharing clothes as teenagers, sharing the joy of having families, but also the sorrow of loss. They stuck together through every aspect of their lives as close friends and dear sisters.

She also has a brother, Tom Marquis, one particularly close to me since we are but one year apart in age. Tom was a part of our growing up. Someone that my mother was proud of as a brother but also one that shared many family memories with her and her sons.

A brother-in-law Ken and sister-in-law Jeanne were special to her too.

My mother had four boys that were loved and cared for throughout our growing up. Myself the oldest, one that moved away from home, but always kept in close contact. She had impact on my life as a great mother even though we were separated by the miles and we always enjoyed our many visits.

Her son Jeff as a child was loved and cared for and her son Steve was a mighty arm of strength and support to her through many trials. God bless him for being there and his ministry to her.

And then there is her beloved son Mike. Her pride and joy. She gave her all to raise her son in the admonition of the Lord, in fact, all four boys were either saved or baptized here at Valley Baptist Church. We all say: "Well done Ma, well done!" You raised us the best you knew how by the grace of the Lord. Proverbs 31:28 says: "Her children will call her blessed" and that is what we are saying here today.

Patricia also has two loving daughters-in-law, Marcia and Suzanne. She loved them with a heart of inclusiveness and thankfulness that they shared their lives with two of her sons. She was a wonderful example of a mother-in-law.

Her grandchildren were so precious to her. She prayed for them, she would sing songs with them and teach them about Jesus. Her grandchildren Jeff and Jennie were the first, with Jeff being a special gift to her on her 39th birthday. She and Jeff shared more than just a birthday, they shared many special times.

Bradley is her soccer player. She would go to his games and then tell of his success on the field much in the same way she did when Brad's father Steve would play football.

Then there are Grace and Eric, two precious ones that would talk to "Grandma Robbins" on the phone. These grandchildren would be so excited with her visits, for their Grandma was so much fun and she taught them so much about God and Jesus during their nature walks.

And yet there is another on the way. Just last May "Grandma" stood here and announced the news that another grandchild was expected this year.

Her nieces and nephews: Kim, Karol, Karyn, Kelly, Angie and Jeannette plus her nephews Kent and John Paul were also touched by her life.

You see we have much to celebrate for this is but a portion of the family that she touched while running her race. Many, so many to name, but she loved and prayed for us all.

Her friends through the years were also many. Friends at work for which we have memories of Ma taking us to the phone company to pick up her paycheck and then talking with the ladies there.

Pat's gardening and her golfing were all done in a fullness of life and appreciation for the friendships. You see here before you the fullness of the garden that was prepared for her celebration. This truly represents her life.

Her precious church and pastor, the Sunday school children were so important to her. It was all a part of her relationship with her Lord.

Proverbs 18:24 states: "there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." When the Lord brings lives together there is a purpose. Her neighbors Bob and Charlene are just those friends that stuck close to her throughout her life. They literally cared for her, they were always there for her and also for us. Their kindness will reap great rewards in heaven for the love they showed their neighbor in this life. Thank you Bob and Char for being there and showing us the love of Christ.

Books could not contain my mother's life, but our hearts and memories do. We celebrate her life this day and we look forward to joining the sweet reunion with her. Her passing is sorrow but her homegoing is joyful. As her cousin Helen has recorded from a hymn writer:

'Not now but in the coming years, it may be in a better land we'll reap the meaning of our tears -- And then! Ah, then we'll understand'

To God be the glory, for now, Ma, you are safely home! To this we say "Amen!"

She was married to Ervin L. Bailey Robbins on Aug 31 1956 in Dyer, Porter County, Indiana. Ervin and Patricia were married by Charles Vogel, Justice of the Peace. Ervin had just turned twenty and Patricia was eighteen. She was divorced from Ervin L. Bailey Robbins in 1985 in Geneva, Kane County, Illinois.
Ervin L. Bailey Robbins was born on Jul 28 1936 in Hurricane, Pontotoc County, Mississippi. Ervin L. was born on a Tuesday. Much confusion has surrounded Ervin's actual name. At different times he has gone by E.L. Robbins, Laverl Robbins, and L.E. Robbins. The story goes that his mother Ruby Robbins wanted to name him Verl but a cousin was born just before he was and that child was named Verl. Ervin's birth certificate reads Ervin L. Bailey Robbins, but his mother always calls him Verl. His nickname has also always been Robbie, the same as his father. He was educated in 1952 in Hurricane, Pontotoc County, Mississippi. Verl attended Hurricane High School where he was a star player on state championship basket ball teams. Almost all of the trophies that were won during his high school playing years were destroyed in a tornado that struck the gymnasium where many an exciting basketball game was played. Before graduating from high school, Verl was being scouted for a try-out with the Boston Celtics Basketball Team, but missed the opportunity due to breaking his wrist during a basketball game.

Verl as an adult would often times play a game or two of basketball with his kids and several others in the Boulder Hill neighborhood. He had a great shot and some good moves to the basket, but he also often smoked three packs of Lucky Strikes a day and would get "winded" rather quickly. But, each pickup game would be followed by exciting stories of when he played high school basketball telling us about those championship games and the State Championship basketball teams on which he played. He was a Bank Computer Operations Manager in 1974 in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. Robbie has worked for Strathmore Printing, Aurora, Illinois, as a Paper Cutter, and at Old Second National Bank, Aurora, Illinois, as Manager of Computer Operations. In both of these jobs, the locations were right next door to each other. Strathmore was located on the corner of Lake Street and Downer Place. Old Second is located at River Street and Downer Place. When it became time for Old Second to expand, they bought the building that Strathmore had since vacated and built drive through tellers and an underground computer center. An interesting fact in all this is that for 17 years, Robbie worked at the Strathmore location, he now works to this day (1996) in the same location for 22 years in the underground computer center that was built right below where the Strathmore building was located. During the days that Robbie was working at Strathmore, it was quite a treat for the Robbins children to go and pick up Dad and get a hot dog from the Tom & Dots hot dog wagon that would park nearby.

Patricia Lee Marquis and Ervin L. Bailey Robbins had the following children:

+73 i. Daniel Laverl Robbins.
+74 ii. Jeffery Dean Robbins.
+75 iii. Steven Todd Robbins.
76 iv. Michael Patrick Robbins was born on Aug 7 1968 in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. Mike was born on a Wednesday at Copley Memorial Hospital. He was delivered by Dr. William Blackburn and he weighed 8 lbs. and 11 ozs. Michael was the fourth boy born to his parents and his father's first remark was recorded by his mother in Michael's baby book as "Another boy, looks like Steve." He was baptized on Jul 28 1975 in Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois. Mike was baptized by Dr. Roy L. Chestnut, at Valley Baptist Church. His baptism came after a profession of faith in Jesus Christ at a camp meeting just south of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was educated in 1986 in Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois. Mike attended Boulder Hill Elementary, Montgomery, Kane County, Illinois, Thompson Junior High School, Oswego Senior High School, both in Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois and Wabonsie College, Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. He was a Quality Engineer in 1997 in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. Mike works for Westel which is an electronics firm specializing in telephone technology.

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