Dateline: Alton

Patricia Henson Gross, 79, died at 3:35 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2017 at Willow Rose Rehab and Health Care in Jerseyville. Born December 21, 1937 in Alton, she was the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Hartley) Henson. On December 27, 1958 she married Dwight Wayne Gross at the North Alton Southern Baptist Church. Pat was a homemaker and a member of the Elm Street Presbyterian Church. She loved nature, especially birds and flowers, and enjoyed supervising Dwight in her garden! She was preceded in death by her husband on March 30, 2009. Surviving are two daughters, Stacy Wagenblast (Greg) of Brighton, and Lisa Gilman (Larry) of Austin, TX, a brother, William Henson (Jill) of Springfield, two grandchildren, Taylor Meier (Kyle) of Houston, TX, and Lauren Gilman of Austin, TX, three step grandchildren, Lindsay Haddix (Marshall), Amy Halley (Matt), and Molly Santiago (Joshua), two nephews, Tim Henson (Diane) and Brian Henson (Jill) both of Springfield, IL and an "adopted" sister and best friend, Carol Carpunky (Jerry) of Alton. Graveside services will be led by Carol Carpunky at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Upper Alton Cemetery; followed by a celebration of Pat's life at the home of Greg and Stacy Wagenblast. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com