Patty Jo was born on April 1, 1957, in Sterling, to Manuel and Mary (Garcia) Caudillo. She attended all the area schools in Sterling. Patty Jo married Gary Dowding on July 24, 1999, in Rock Falls.
She spent many years working at Lawrence Brothers, where she was known for her reliability and strong work ethic. Later, she continued her career at Wahl Clipper, forming lasting friendships and taking pride in her work until she became sick.
Patty Jo was a devoted wife to her soulmate, Gary, a proud mother to her son, Lucas, and a treasured friend. Her greatest joy in life was her family—supporting them in all their endeavors, celebrating milestones, and offering unwavering love through every season of life. She loved traveling to Florida and sailing on cruises with Gary and their extended family, and spending weekends camping with Gary and their beloved dog, Sammy.
A passionate Chicago Bears fan, she never missed a game during football season and eagerly anticipated Sunday afternoons with Gary on the couch, cheering on their team. Those moments—filled with laughter and sometimes heartache when the Bears would lose—reflected her love of life and the simple pleasures shared with those she cherished.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Caudillo; twin sister, Sally Caudillo; sister, Rita Thompson; brother-in-law, Bud Thompson; mother and father-in-law, Lois and Abe Dowding; and nephew, Stan Brandon, Jr.
Patty Jo will be deeply missed by her husband, Gary Dowding of Rock Falls; son, Lucas (Sheila) Helt of Dixon; siblings, Manuel (Maggie) Caudillo and Richard Caudillo both of Sterling, Mark (Reyna) Caudillo of DeKalb, and Monica Caudillo of Oregon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred (Janet) Dowding of Miami, FL, and Pat (Stan) Brandon of Franklin Grove; along with many nieces and nephews that she cherished deeply.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Celebration of Life will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home—Rock Falls. Inurnment will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family.
McDonald Funeral Home—Rock Falls is serving the family. Please visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
