Patricia Ann (Patty) Raih, slipped away from this earth peacefully on October 15, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Patty was born on December 3, 1953, to Eugene and Alice (Gebel) Kerwin, in DeKalb at St. Mary Hospital. She was the sixth of seven siblings.

Patty grew up in DeKalb attending St. Mary grade school and Notre Dame High School. She graduated from DeKalb High School in 1972. After high school, she attended Northern Illinois University. She detasseled corn as a teen and worked at Roy Rogers (fast food). Later she worked at Eagle Foods for 32 years, followed by running her own cleaning business for 12 years. She retired in 2015.

Patty married the love of her life, Kevin Raih, on November 16, 1974. Together they welcomed two boys, Matthew (Gwen) Raih, and Andrew (Hilary) Raih. She always considered her son’s wives the daughters she never had. Grammy to three beautiful granddaughters, Wendy, Lily, and Maddie. Patty was happiest when her kids and families were home. Their home was filled with love and joy. The Raih house was the hangout for the boys and their friends growing up. Hosting Cub Scout events, Halloween parties, and the well-known 4th of July pool parties. Patty and Kevin were rarely ever seen apart. They enjoyed cruising, camping, and spending time with their boys and granddaughters.

Patty was always trying something new and loved to travel. She was an accomplished self-taught oil painter, enjoyed baking, shelling the beaches of Florida, hanging with her pals at the wellness center, art group, BINGO friends or theater pals. In summer, she could be found working in her flower and vegetable gardens. If you were lucky enough to be gifted with a painting or baked goods, you knew you were blessed. Patty was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Newman, Christ the Teacher Parish in DeKalb.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years; Kevin, her parents, sisters Jean and Mickey, and brother Mike.

Patty is survived by two sons; Matthew (Gwen) Raih, granddaughters Wendy and Maddie of Loveland, Ohio, Andy (Hilary) Raih, granddaughter Lily of DeKalb, her sisters; Jo Ann Sheridan, Cathy (Don) Beck and Sue (Alan) Thompson, and bonus sister, Denise Kuhn, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless family and friends.

The family would like to thank the nursing and medical staff at Northwestern Medicine/Kishwaukee Hospital, Dr. Jack Wagoner, Geneticist Mike Dell-Suguitan, the Heartland Hospice team, especially Sara and Reina. They would also like to thank Hy-Vee Pharmacy and the UW Health SwedishAmerican Outpatient Pharmacy; Tom, Wendy and Ben. Our family extends its sincere thanks to Denise and Sue for the loving care they provided Patty in her home during her final weeks. We are forever grateful for their kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to ensuring Mom's peace and comfort. The family would also like to thank her wonderful friends whose love and friendship made her life so full.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. Burial will be immediately following the Mass at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Cremation rites and arrangements was entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.