Growing up in a small, close-knit farming community was a gift I’m forever grateful for. Anyone with a similar upbringing knows how farming families stick together and support each other through thick and thin. Looking back on my childhood memories, there are several people I’ve known for as long as I can remember – it seemed they were always there, and it was never any other way. For me, Patty Seibert was one of these people.

My family (the Vogels) and the Seiberts go way back. My aunt, Dorine Vogel, is a cousin to Richard Seibert, Patty’s husband, and my dad grew up with Richard and has served alongside him as a Salem Township trustee for many years. My brother, Jim Vogel, and Ben Seibert, Richard and Patty’s youngest son, grew up together and have remained lifelong friends.

Patty was one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever met. She had so much spirit, spunk and zest for life. I can’t think of a time I’ve seen her without a smile on her face. She sure knew how to enjoy life and not take herself too seriously.

She made the most of every minute, every hour, every day God gave her, and she lived life to the fullest. She and Richard traveled the world together, visiting every continent except Antarctica.

It’s also amazing to me just how much she did for those around her. She led Vacation Bible School every year at their little country church, Kossuth Zion United Methodist. She served as a 4-H advisor for more than three decades. She attended every concert, recital, sporting event and other milestone she possibly could for each of her children and grandchildren. And of course, she organized and hosted lots of family and community gatherings for her family, friends and neighbors.

She took so much pride in decorating the Seibert homestead, especially at Christmastime, when she spent hours putting up several themed Christmas trees in their house – every single year!

She really was the glue that held their family together … and it just doesn’t seem right that she’s not here with us anymore. Her presence is going to be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

But for everything about the person she was, the most important aspect was her commitment to her faith in Jesus Christ. She knew her Savior well and lived to show and tell others about him. She knew that all the blessings in her life came from above, and she was always grateful for each of them. Even when life dealt her difficult circumstances such as breast cancer, she stayed positive and didn’t complain, depending on God to get her through the hard times, too.

Patty’s son, Ben, recently shared the verse Matthew 25:23, which says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I know Patty heard those words on the day she left this earth and entered heaven’s unimaginable splendor. I know she’s now enjoying her eternal rewards that she invested so much time and energy storing up during her time on earth. Well done, indeed, Patty – until we meet again on the other side.

In closing, I wrote a little poem inspired by words my Aunt Dorine shared about how Patty made the most of the time she had.

Time Well Spent

Our days were numbered,

Before the work of creation was done,

Before we existed in this time and space,

The Creator held our days, every one.

He gave us free will to spend this short time,

However we so choose,

He stood back and let us decide,

Then, lovingly, he watched us move.

Some spend their days,

On pleasure and ambition,

Climbing ladder after ladder,

But seeing little of value to fruition.

Some are more practical,

Budgeting their time for each activity under the sun,

Work vs. play, passion vs. obligation,

Balance is key – not too much of any one.

And then there are those who don’t hold back,

Every day is a day to be seized,

Facing each dawn with intention, every moment with gratitude,

Knowing who they are and whose they are – and doing it with ease.

Life is not easy for anyone,

No matter how we choose to live it,

But the richest lives among us have to be,

Those who take each day for what it is – a treasure from the Lord who gives it.