Janice Patricia "Pat" Stratton Rines

On Thursday, December 18, Janice Patricia “Pat” Stratton Rines of Townsend TN, a heavenly spirit on this earth, went to join her family to collect her angel wings. She went by many names—wife, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and unforgettable spirit. Known to many as Aunt Pat, she brought warmth, laughter, and a commanding presence into every room she entered and could engage you in conversations you didn’t even know you wanted to have. She loved everyone around her and always made sure you felt like family, with a seat at her table.

Pat was deeply devoted to her church and community and generously gave her time to help others. She graduated from Townsend High School and attended Maryville College. She went on to work for Allstate Insurance Company and retired from there.

An avid traveler, Pat especially loved visiting Alaska and Hawaii, and her home reflected her adventures through her cherished collectibles and antiques. Pat was a lifelong UT fan; she enjoyed watching UT sports and spending peaceful hours on her front porch swing, watching the birds and squirrels. She loved doing crafts and teaching all of her nieces and nephews how to play piano.

She is survived by her sister, Selena Stratton Norton, of Townsend; stepdaughters Cheryl Sanchez, of Texas, and Brenda Ryan, of Utah; grandchildren Stephen and Jonathan Sanchez, of Texas; Sophia Ryan, of California; and Bridget Rucker, of Virginia. 

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Bill and Karen Myers, of Townsend; Tammy Matthews, of NC; Pete Myers, of NC; Charli and Ryan Seloover, of IL; Cameron Stratton, of KY; Heather Norton Britt, of Townsend; Curtis and Rachel Stratton, of IL; Kathy Rucker, of VA; and Ronnie Rucker, of VA, along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Mabel Stratton; sisters Bernice Shuler and Linda Myers; brother Claude Stratton Jr.; first husband Jim Rucker; husband Lester Rines; and numerous aunts and uncles.

She was surrounded by immense love from her caretakers—sister Selena, niece Heather, great-nephew Cody Britt—and family dog, Gypsy, that Thursday morning when she took her heavenly journey. Pat left this world wrapped in the same love she so freely gave to others.

The family would like to thank Prisma Hospice nurse Diane and family friend Katie Headrick O’Brien for helping with Pat. She will be deeply missed, and her love will remain with us always.

A memorial service is planned in April at the Campground Methodist Church in Townsend, and the time will be announced at a later date.