1952-2025
Patricia A. “Patty” Cozad, 73, of Lake Wales, FL, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Advent Health Emergency Department in Lake Wales.
Patty was born on September 2, 1952, in Bellefontaine, OH, a daughter of the late James B. and Wilma (Penny) Dearwester. She married Tim Hagedorn, and he preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by a son, Jeremy Fillinger.
Patty married Dan Cozad in 2006, and he survives. She is also survived by a son, Jared Fillinger of Marion, OH, four stepchildren, Christopher Cozad of Bellefontaine, Richard A. Cozad of Chapin, SC, Jason Cozad of New Carlisle, OH, and Heather Cozad of Xenia, OH, a niece, Patty thought of as a daughter, Heidi (John) Micheal, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, three siblings, Joyce (Steve) Kimbler of Marion, Steve Dearwester of Lakeview, and Karen Douglas of Sidney, OH, brother/sisters-in-law, David (Linda) Cozad of O’Fallon, IL, and Diana Cozad of Springfield, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Patty was a 1971 graduate of Indian Lake High School. Her working career was varied as she worked as a waitress at Aunt Millie’s Restaurant in Russells Point, as a teacher’s aide at Indian Lake Elementary, and at Lake Wales Care Center before she retired. Patty was a member of Highpoint Church in Lake Wales and the Bunco Club. She enjoyed watching old westerns, and the Hallmark Channel, shopping and going yard saling, cleaning and rearranging furniture, and playing card games. Patty loved her Lord, attending church, and fellowshipping with others. She had a beautiful smile that lit up the room, a caring heart for others, and was always willing to give a helping hand to any organization or person she saw who needed help. Patty will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St, Lakeview. Visitation will be on Friday, January 9th, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home and Saturday from 10-11 am. Burial will be in Huntsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Patty’s memory to the Indian Lake Music Department.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
