Dr. Patricia M. Zitko, a woman of profound faith, devoted wife and mother, and respected optometrist, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, May 11, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family at her home. She was 69 years old.
Born on November 6, 1956 in Dayton, OH, she was the daughter of the late Russell L. and Catherine V. (Braun) Meyers. She was raised in Sandusky graduating from Holy Angels Catholic High School in 1974. Immediately following, she attended Kent State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing before enrolling at The Ohio State University from where she obtained her master’s degree, also in nursing. While studying at Ohio State, she taught at both OSU and Columbus State, before entering the nursing workforce for several years. Inspired by her sister’s calling to optometry, Pat pursued an alternate care path, enrolling at The Ohio State University College of Optometry from where she graduated in 1992. While in optometry school, she met the love of her life, Phil. They married November 13, 1993.
Patricia dedicated her life to the service of others, both through her professional calling and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. As an optometrist, she spent decades ensuring that those in her care could see the beauty of the world more clearly. After practicing optometry in Fremont, she and Phil planted roots deeply in Shelby, joining the practice of Winbigler and Zitko in 1997. It was over the next 25 years that Dr. Zitko cared for thousands of patients in Shelby, Plymouth, and surrounding communities. In 2015, Winbigler and Zitko was acquired by Ohio Eye Associates where she remained a full-time optometrist until her retirement in 2022. Her patients will remember her not only for her clinical expertise but for her compassionate spirit and the genuine interest she took in the wellbeing of every person who walked through her doors.
A lifelong and devout Catholic, Patricia’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She lived the Gospel through her daily actions, finding strength in prayer and providing a quiet, steady example of grace and charity to all who knew her. Her devotion to the Church remained steadfast throughout her life.
Above all, Pat’s greatest joy was her family. She was the heart of her home, a source of endless support, and a guiding light for her children. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Philip R. Zitko, with whom she shared a lifetime of partnership and love over 32 years. Her legacy lives on through her three children, whom she raised with a firm foundation of faith and kindness, and their spouses: Philip (Rebecca) Zitko, Dr. Thomas (Rachel) Zitko, and Natalie (Sam) Coleman. Also surviving are her siblings: Gregory Havemeyer, Margaret Carter, Thomas (Fran) Meyers, Anne (David) Samanich, and Teresa (Darrell) Pappa; in-laws: Diana (Ted) Lairson and William (Jan) Zitko; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her brother-in-law: Norman Carter.
She will be deeply missed by her family, colleagues, and the many friends whose lives she touched with her gentle spirit.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a scripture service will be conducted at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, where she was a member, 5742 State Route 61, Shelby. Fr. Jeff Smith will celebrate the Mass with burial following in the church cemetery. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or Facebook page.
What a beautiful soul! She will be missed! May she rest in the peace of our Lord. Prayers for her family.
So sorry for your loss, Dr. Phil and Dr. Tom. Prayers for peace and comfort to your entire family.
Dr Phil and family, I am so sorry for your loss
My deepest condolences to Dr. Pat’s family and loved ones. What a beautiful legacy. Continued prayers for you all.
Very sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
Dr. Phil, Dr. Tom and the rest of the family, my deepest condolences! She was a wonderful woman and such a sweet and caring Dr when my husband and I seen her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry, She was a wonderful lady!
I loved her dearly! She was a phenomenal optometrist! Dr. Zitko was always so kind and pleasant, such a sweetheart! She took care of my three girls through all of their growing up years! We will miss her. 🌹
My heartfelt sympathy for Phil and the whole family!!! She will be missed by everyone that came into contact with her!! She was a wonderful person and loved by everyone!! Prayers to all of you!!🙏
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat will be greatly missed. She was always so sweet and caring.
Very sorry for loss she was such a wonderful lady who touched many lives thank you for your eye care. Sending prayers of peace and comfort for the family
My deepest sympathies to the Zitko family. Dr. Pat left a mark on those she met and knew. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for you today and the days to come.
My prayers are with you during this season…she was a very kind and compassionate woman. She will be missed. God bless you and sustain you.
What a wonderful woman she was who has left a beautiful legacy. Heartfelt condolences from our family to yours.
Steve and I are so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. God bless you all with comfort and strength. She was a sweet woman and caring doctor.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Dr.Mrs. Zitko was always so easy to talk to and kind and always right on when she was telling you what was going on. Sounds like the family was blessed with loving memories. May you find comfort in those memories and hold them close. Know the Lord is with you all. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I think of so many fond memories of visiting the farm as kids and spending time with Pat. What a wonderful person on many levels. We are sending love and prayers.
Deepest condolences to the Zitko family.
Prayer to the family. A lovely lady indeed, l know how greatly she will be missed… I’m so sorry
Dr Pat was my eye doctor for many years and the nicest, most pleasant caring doctor I had. So very sorry for her family. Sympathy and prayers for all of you.
Dr. Phil and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of Dr. Pat. Lifting you all in prayer as you navigate through this journey.
I always enjoyed my eye appointments because Of my chats with Pat. She beamed when she came in each time and I knew she genuinely liked me. She was a very thorough and caring professional. Dr PAt Ziitkowill definitely be missed.
I am so sorry Dr. Zitko. You and your family will be in my prayers 🙏
Rest in Peace, our niece Pat. You will be forever missed but we know you are happy to be home with you parents Russell and especially your Mother Catherine who past this January. Our Love and prayers to your family . Forever in our hearts
My sincere condolences to her family members. Truly enjoyed being her patient.
Very sorry for your loss.
Our sympathy to you all at this very difficult time.
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Heaven gained a beautiful soul.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Dr. Phil. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Phil,
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family in your loss.
I know this has to be a very tough time and it’s important you find support with your family and friends.
Hoping to see you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Terry
Dr. Phil and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Phil and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear family of Pat,
The class of 1975 ofSt Mary’s Central Catholic will always remember Pat.
Rest in peace. May the angels carry her to heaven and place her gently in the arms of our Lord! Cheryl “Laws” Palidar
Dr Phil, Phil, Tommy & Natalie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was a wonderful lady. She touched so many lives over the years. She will be missed by so many. Keeping you in our thoughts and Prayers
To Doctor Phil and Doctor Tom, Death is never easy and especially when it’s someone so close to you and so important to you. I pray that you find God’s grace will comfort you so you can comfort others in the future … I Corinthians 1: 3,4. Jesus will be your strength and comfort in the difficult days ahead. Cling to His promises in His Word. I was sorry to read of your wife/mother’s death and so young. She was a good doctor and more so, a blessed wife/mother. You have been blessed with her as she shined in so many ways and gave you much to remember. Her legacy is your blessing. I pray for your comfort in the days ahead. Barb Postema