ELKHART [mdash] Patty Marie Hawk, a loyal and caring registered nurse and an avid college basketball fan, was born Sept. 14, 1951, to Woodward and Mary (McLallin) Hawk. She passed away Sept. 6, following a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family. Patty earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University — Purdue University Fort Wayne and a master's degree from Indiana University. Her nursing career began at Elkhart General Hospital and for 36 years she provided exceptional care as part of the practice of Dr. Peter Carney. Patty is survived by her sister, Linda McClanahan; nieces, Sarah (Heyward) Armstrong and Emily (Nathan) Funk; great-niece, Piper Armstrong; and great-nephews, Jay Armstrong and John Leo Funk. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept.13, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767. A funeral service will follow at noon, with a tribute by the Indiana Nursing Honor Guard honoring Patty's lifelong dedication to nursing. Burial will be at Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery. Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.yeagerfuneralhome. com.