Carmelita "Pat" "Patti" Babines

Carmelita Patricia, “Pat or Patti” Babines, 82, of Winona, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and enduring strength.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she spent her youth, she graduated from Brownsville High School in 1963. Shortly after, she journeyed to Ridgecrest, California, to be near siblings. While working at China Lake Naval Base, she met and married Robert M. Babines. With a shared desire to see each of the four seasons, they packed up two kids, two dogs and moved to Lake Abiquiu, New Mexico, in 1976 before finally settling in Minnesota in 1978.

Shortly after arriving, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, in 1979 – a loss she carried with a discreet grace and strength throughout the years.

She was a quiet, unassuming, and gracious soul who learned at an early age she would need to depend on this silent strength. Through every season of life, she embraced her family with unconditional love, warmth, humor, and unwavering protection for all she held dear.

She was a talented artist and gifted seamstress whose creativity became part of the fabric of her children’s upbringing. Every child in her family carries memories of handmade Christmas dresses, Halloween costumes, doll clothes, and lovingly crafted treasures, made by her hands.

Her children’s most treasured memories are the scenic summer break road trips taken to visit family, which included camping, fishing, and hours singing along to Motown and Jim Croce playing on the 8-track in the family big old Dodge station wagon. Those simple moments became the soundtrack of a life filled with love and togetherness.

Though quiet in nature, her love spoke loudly through every stitch sewn, every mile traveled, and every meal shared, and her devotion will remain forever woven into the hearts of those who loved her.

She leaves behind her children; daughter Tiffany (PatRick) Rigdon, Son Robert (Debbie) Rigdon, grand-children Rheba (MW) Tullius, Bobi Jo, Krystal, Nicole, Alana, David, and great-grandchildren, including Caidence Tullius.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Robert, their unborn son, Micheal; siblings Duke, Jim, Marty, and Donna; and nieces and nephews.

Sincere gratitude for the dignified support of Winona Area Hospice Service Team and personal caregivers.

Her family believes the best tribute to her beautiful spirit would be to make a joyful memory with a child, read a story, finger-paint, or go for ice cream with them - just as she would have.

The family will have a private burial to celebrate a life devoted to family.