van Buskirk

Patricia S. van Buskirk, a lifelong resident of Mars, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Oct. 24, 2025, at Arbors Valencia.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pat was the daughter of the late William J. Sutton and Helen Jordan Sutton Smith (H. Dennis Smith).

She attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va.

Pat served on the board of directors of The Mars National Bank from 1986 to 2003.

She was an active member of the Mars Junior Women’s Club, North Suburban Fine Arts League and Mars Chapter 271, Order of the Eastern Star. She also served as Mother Advisor of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She also had served on the board of directors of Mars Cemetery Association and was a member of Treesdale Golf and Country Club.

She enjoyed playing bridge and progressive rummy. She loved cruising and vacationing in Cape May, N.J. She loved all animals, especially cats and turtles.

Patty was preceded in death by her loving husband and best friend of 52 years, Derek Orem van Buskirk.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Purvis (Mac Jr.), of Valencia, Barbara van Buskirk (David Panek), of Portsmouth, N.H., and Janet Balentine (Mark), of Mars. She was the proud grandmother of J.D. van Buskirk, Kelley L. Balentine Larson, Barbara Balentine Howard (Shaun) and Mac Purvis III; and the great-grandmother of Alaina Balentine (Johnpaul) and Taylor Larson.

Pat’s family would like to thank Arbors Valencia and the hospice staff for the care she received during her three-year residence.

Pat will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

VAN BUSKIRK — A private family viewing and service for Patricia S. van Buskirk, who died Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, was held at MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Interment will be in Mars Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053; or to the Mars Public Library, P.O. Box 415, 107 Grand Ave., Mars, PA 16046.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.