Patricia C. "Pat" Best

                Patricia Caroline "Pat" Best, 101, of Franklin, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at The Caring Place in Franklin.  She was born at home on the family farm in Wentlings Corners near Knox on December 5, 1923.  She was the daughter of the late John Martin Amsler and Ada (Smith) Amsler. 

                She attended the Wentlings Corners School and White Memorial High School.  She married Charles "Orval" Best, and he preceded her in death on June 26, 1988.  They were married for 48 years when he passed away. 

                Pat worked at the former Franklin Hospital as a nurse's aide for a number of years before retiring to provide care for Orval.  She later worked at the Mini Market grocery store, located in the former Cranberry Elementary School, until it closed. 

                Pat is a member of the Cranberry United Methodist Church, and a former member of the Ladies Aide Society and the Cranberry Quilting Club which were affiliated with the Cranberry United Methodist Church.  She helped to hand quilt numerous quilts with the Club.  She also quilted many quilts for individuals, created numerous quilts for her family, along with others to sell and donate.  Until Pat's health declined, you would often find her either cutting out quilt patches or hand sewing patches together.  Every winter you would find her quilting frame sitting in the dining room with Pat hand quilting at least two quilts each winter.  She created a quilt for each of her grandchildren as a wedding gift. 

                Patricia is survived by two sons, Kenneth Best and his wife Louise of Erie, and Walter Best and his wife Barbara of Emlenton; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is her sister, Charlotte Theis of San Leandro, California, who Pat was very close to; a daughter-in-law, Theresa Best of Erie; along with a special nephew and niece, Henry Theis III and Charlotte Theis of Wheeler, California. 

                In addition to her parents and husband, Pat was preceded in death by her children, Arnold Best, Ronald Best, Joyce Best, Joann Irwin, and Vicki Resinger; her brother, Walter Amsler; two infant siblings; a brother-in-law, Harry Theis Jr.; a sister-in-law, Betty Wetzel; along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

                The family would like to thank Patricia's doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at The Caring Place who provided excellent care, and to each person who always had a kind word to say to Pat when they came into her room. 

                Visitation will be held on Monday (April 28) from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, where a funeral service will follow Monday at 2 p.m. with Rev. Chris Lewis, officiating.  Private interment will follow in the Callensburg Cemetery. 

                In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Venango County Humane Society, 286 S. Main St., Seneca, PA  16346.

                To express online condolences to Pat's family, visit www.hilebest.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia C. "Pat" Best, please visit our floral store.