Patricia Vasterling

Patricia Ellen Barker Vasterling peacefully left this life on the first day of spring, March 20, 2016 at 2:25pm, after a long illness and struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her family, friends and loved ones at her home in Baton Rouge, where she wished to pass away.

Pat was born on October 12, 1930 to Ray Barker of Lockport, Louisiana and Josephine Abele of New Orleans. She was the youngest of four sisters that included Rae, Elizabeth and Evelyn, all of whom predeceased her. Pat grew up in Old Metairie, Detroit, and New Orleans. She and her sister Evelyn met and married two brothers, Joseph Carl (Carl) and Lawrence Rankin (Rankin) Vasterling of New Orleans. Pat and Carl married in 1949 lived in Harahan, LA; Little Rock, AR; Arlington, TX; and Slidell, Louisiana. Carl preceded his wife in death in 1996, and Pat lived in the family home in Slidell until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina flooded their beautiful home in Coin du Lestin. After Katrina, Pat moved to Baton Rouge, where she died in the home she had lived in and cared for since 2006.

Pat Vasterling is survived by her eight loving children, and their spouses: Jan Vasterling Ramsey (Joseph Irrera) of New Orleans; Joseph Carl Vasterling, Jr. (Janet) of Gulfport, MS; Curt David Vasterling (Judi) of Los Angeles, CA; Eric Mark Vasterling (Caroline) of Tampa, FL; Jill Vasterling Ogden (Newt) of Baton Rouge; Paul Dane Vasterling (Jason Facio) of Nashville, TN; Chris Andrew Vasterling (Julie) of Prairieville, LA; and Gretchen Vasterling Schott (John), of Lacombe, LA. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Meredith Ramsey (Debbie Morales); Tess Vasterling Case (Chad); Jody, Jessica, Mark (Alexandria Gervais), Ben, Luke, Kathleen and Grace Vasterling; Claire Vasterling Chae (Peter); Adrienne, Newton, Dane (MacKenzie) and Ellen Ogden (Matt Tugwell); and Sarah, John, Carl and Jack Schott); and three great-grandchildren (Camille Ramsey; Jake and Ellison Chae) who were all very close to their Mother, Grandmother, and great-Grandmother.

Pat particularly loved gardening and created beautiful award-winning gardens at all of her homes, which she lovingly tended. She was known for her lifelong love of animals, especially dogs, a love which she passed on to her kids. She will be especially missed for her beauty, kindness, sense of style, trademark acerbic wit and sense of humor, and sharp intelligence which she kept until the end of her life. She will be incredibly missed by her children, many nieces and nephews, surviving cousins and many, many friends who loved her dearly.

Our family extends special thanks to Dr. Bryan Bienvenu, Dr. Craig Greene, Dr. J. Carter Balart; to St. Joseph Hospice; and especially to Monica "Moe" Joseph, who was so good to our mother at the end of her life.

Pallbearers will be the sons of Ms. Patricia.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 2121 North Sherwood Forest, Baton Rouge, LA, from 1:30 PM until Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 PM.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

St. Louis King of France
2121 North Sherwood Forest
Baton Rouge, LA  70815
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Service

St. Louis King of France
2121 North Sherwood Forest
Baton Rouge, LA  70815
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
3:00 pm