Patty Parker passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 27, 2026 at St. Mary's hospital in Madison.

She was born on April 19, 1942, to Nels and Amanda (Ziegler) Ramsfield of Sun Prairie, WI where her family's farm was located for more than 100 years. The youngest of 6, she was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Oscar, Rupert, Dorothy, Karl and Bernie.

A daughter of immigrant farmers, her childhood was one of early responsibility and hard work that shaped her as an adult and informed the way she led her incredible life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and career woman.

She moved to Madison in her early 20s and met her future husband, Frank R Parker of Beloit. The two hit it off and quickly fell in love. As was her way, Patty saw no point in putting anything off, so the couple soon wed and remained happily married, living in Madison together until her death.

Around the same time, without the luxury of a college education, she began work at the IRS, where she met and befriended John Suby. The two of them would go on to work together for more than 50 years, including founding The Suby Group together with other partners. This successful late in life venture was one of her proudest achievements.

During her long career many people benefited from the relationships she forged, from her endless supply of energy and her get it done mentality.

She was a selfless person with a love of animals and nature who gave generously to many charitable organizations.

Patty and Frank had two sons, Samuel and Benjamin.

During her son's childhoods she volunteered at their schools, worked part time at Luther Memorial Church, all while raising and training many family dogs, putting up with teenage boy shenanigans, and always making sure Frank and the boys were doing the right thing, which she continued to do for them throughout their lives.

She was a source of perpetual love, care, and support for Frank during his career, and remained so throughout his retirement.

Along with her love of going to work, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, working in the yard, having her three grandchildren for sleepovers, and hosting family gatherings, but most of all she loved guiding her family through life with firm love and most importantly, no nonsense.

As everyone who knew Patty was aware, she valued nothing more than being a productive, hard-working person while at the same time a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Patty got things done without complaint, and she saw the bright side of just about everything and everyone. She passed these values on not only to her family, but to many of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her husband Frank, her sons Samuel (Betsy) and Benjamin, her grandchildren Isla, Grace, and Truman, and many Ramsfield family members who were some of her favorite people.

Patty always said "If this is the worst thing that ever happens to you, you're pretty lucky."

A celebration of Patty's life will be held on Saturday June 27th from 1:00 - 4:00 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705.

We're doing our best to remember that now, Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patty's memory to The Aldo Leopold Nature Center at

https://aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/support/giving-opportunities/

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434