PATRICIA J. BILLS

Patricia J. Bills, 82, passed away on April 10, 2025, after years of declining health. She was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on Sept. 3, 1942, to the late Mary and Edward Pongones. She spent her childhood in the Detroit area.

On Nov. 6, 1960, she married Theodore Bills. They were married for nearly 46 years until Ted’s death in 2006. Pat and Ted made Alpena their home and adopted three sons. Pat was a devoted wife and mother. Pat was a proud hockey/baseball mom for her sons’ teams. Some people may remember Pat from her many hours working the hockey concession stand at Mich-e-ke-wis in the 80s and from starting the Hockey Association’s coupon book fundraiser. Others may remember her from her time as Babe Ruth Bingo’s President in the 80s and 90s.

Pat was honored in 1984 as the Alpena Hockey Associations first Volunteer of the year and again in 1994 as a Booster of the Year by the Alpena Sports Boosters Club. Pat worked for years at the Neiman’s deli and also many years at the Alpena Walmart as a cashier where she cheerfully attended to her duties. She enjoyed bingo and the casinos – even winning on occasion!

Patricia is survived by two sons, Michael of Lakeland Florida and Terry Xavier (Natasha) of Rogers City; grandchildren, Michael Bills, Jr., Dominic Jones; brother and sister-in-law, Justin and Sandra Michael of Grand Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Patricia in death were her young son, Timothy and her sisters Marilyn Squires and Diane Pongones.

There will be a private family graveside service and a public memorial gathering on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the 19th Hole from noon until 3 p.m. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home

In memory of Patricia, donations to local sports organizations would be appreciated.