Patricia A. Oehrlein, 91, of Midlothian, Texas, formerly of East Peoria, passed away on October 10, 2022 at Midtowne Assisted Living, in Midlothian.

She was born December 29, 1930 to the late Arthur and Louella (Kohtz) Gay.  She married Ronald Oehrlein on February 13, 1949 in East Peoria.  He preceded her in death on April 14, 2002.

She is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Allan) Morrill of Ovilla, Texas; grandchildren, Erin (Matthew) Fohn and Robby (Rachel) Morrill, both of Austin, Texas; and her special joys, great-granddaughters, Pepper Patricia Fohn and Audrey Marie Morrill.  She is also survived by a brother, Arthur (Sharon) Gay of Stonington; sister, Leslie Cody of Creve Coeur; nephew, Tim (Sandra) Gay of Pekin, and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her brother, David L. Gay of Eldorado, in 2007.

She was a lifelong hairdresser, a member of the Professional Beauty Association, served on the IDFPR Cosmetology Board, as well as the Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools.  She enjoyed serving on the National Hair Fashion Committee and participating in Hair Olympics and fashion shows, making clothes, wigs, and accessories for her entries.  She received the Pivot Point International Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame award in 1989.

Pat and Ron established the Oehrlein School of Cosmetology in East Peoria in 1973.   During Pat's tenure at the helm of the education program, the School had approximately 1,350 graduates. Her knowledge and precision of her craft was shared with each student and she was always proud of her graduates.   After Pat and Ron's retirement in 2000, she was so pleased that the Oehrlein School continued under family direction with Tim and Sandy Gay.

She was an accomplished seamstress, working in her "laboratory" to produce designer-styled garments, including a lace jacket and veil for granddaughter Erin's wedding dress.  She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Washington and greatly enjoyed serving on the Banner Committee there.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 17th from 4 to 6pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Her funeral will be Tuesday, Oct. 18th, at 11am at Faith Lutheran Church in Washington, with further visitation one hour before the service from 10 to 11am Tuesday at the church.   Burial will follow in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.