Patricia M. Crouch, 53, Spring Hill, a Spring Hill teacher and former Osawatomie resident, died November 29, 2002 at her home after a 13-year struggle with breast cancer.

She was born in Paola on August 24, 1949 to Helen and Harold Cartwright of Osawatomie. She attended school in Osawatomie and graduated in 1967 from Osawatomie High School.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Emporia State University in 1971 and a master of science degree in 1986.

She began her teaching career in 1971 and taught for two years at Santa Fe Trail High School in Overbrook, KS.

She married Keith Crouch on August 7, 1971 in Osawatomie.

Mrs. Crouch started her most important teaching position in 1974 by staying home and raising their two children, Amy and Paul. She returned to teaching at Spring Hill Middle School in 1987 and taught sixth grade until Nov. 25, 2002.

She was a devoted teacher who worked very hard to give her students the best possible opportunity to learn and exceed.

She kept a positive attitude throughout her lengthy illness, trusted God to care for her and was an inspiration to her family, friends and all who knew her.

Surviving are her husband, Keith Crouch; her daughter, Amy Belcher of Spring Hill; her son, Paul Crouch of Olathe; her parents, Harold and Helen Cartwright of Osawatomie; a brother, Steve Cartwright of Dewey, OK; and one granddaughter.

Services were at Spring Hill United Methodist Church with arrangements by Wilson and Son Funeral Home of Paola. Burial was in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Memorials were to the church.