Patricia Marvel Huff Stenger of Milton passed away peacefully Friday, May 15, 2026, in Rehoboth Beach. She was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Lewes. A woman of grace and dedication, Patricia's life touched many through her profession as a registered nurse, retiring as a school nurse from the Cape Henlopen School District and her heartfelt commitments to her hometown of Milton, family and faith.

Patricia was a cherished member of several local groups, including the Century Club of Milton, the Red Hats of Milton, CHEER Yoga and Bridge Club. Her deep love and reverence for Sandhill Church in Milton were evident throughout her life, anchoring her spirit in a place that nurtured her faith and community bonds. She found joy and fulfillment in various recreational activities such as shopping, pool swimming for exercise, golfing at Shamrock Par 3, sewing and knitting, walking along the dirt pit, visiting Broadkill Beach and collecting Broadkill shells – pursuits that kept her active and engaged with the world around her.

Patricia’s family was central to her life. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Robert Stenger, with whom she shared many years of companionship and love.

Patricia’s children also survive her, carrying forward her legacy of warmth and kindness: from the Huff family, Richard Meredith Huff (Diane L. Huff), Douglas Meredith Huff (Susan Loraine Westover) and Jocelyn Meredith Huff; and from the Stenger family, John Stenger (Mary Beth), Cathy Stenger Martin (James/Jim), Nancy Stenger (Daniel) and Bobby Stenger (Wendy).

Patricia’s devotion extended lovingly to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives were enriched by her presence and care. The Huff grandchildren include Shelby Lynne Lachmann, Lauren Meredith Huff, Lindsay Huff Behney (Michael), Andrew Douglas Lisle Huff (Sharyn), Eric Lee Jenkins (Savannah), Joshua Henry Huff (Amanda) and Zachary John Huff (Chelsea); and her great-grandchildren, Franklin Richard Martin, Andrew Alexander Lisle Huff, Charlotte Valentina Huff, Dalton Lee Jenkins, Leif Arthur Lachmann, Chloe Marie Huff, Greyson Henry Huff, Layton Robert Huff, Carson James Attix, and a future baby Huff. 

Among the Stenger family grandchildren are Clint Stenger, John Paul Stenger, Frank Stenger (Trinity), Robert/Bobby Stenger (Samantha), Zula Stenger, Annie Richardson (Bo), Sara Lancaster (Keith Cherry), Tara Weaver (Ed), Christine Keller (Kevin), Joan Tylecki, Chad Tylecki, Aric Boyd (Meleah), Jeremey Boyd (Becca), Shelby Shockley (John) and Taylor Davis (Rich). The great-grandchildren include Nova Stenger, Lachlan Stenger, Robert (Bo) Stenger, Brenn Martin (Taylor), Quinn Richardson, Koby Martin (Courtney), Chloe Richardson, Chad Richardson, Kaden Lancaster, Madison Weaver, Lia Weaver, Nora Keller, Margaret Greeley, Benjamin Greeley, Anderson Boyd, Hayden Boyd, Elena Shockley, Asher Shockley and Roby Davis. Her great-great-grandchildren, Liam and Theo Martin, also hold a special place in her heart. Patricia was blessed to be part of the wonderful Sposato family as well.

Patricia experienced the loss of her first husband, Richard M. Huff Sr., and mourned her children, Patricia Jerilyn Huff and Henry John Huff. She also dearly missed her sister, Jean Sposato. These losses were profound, yet Patricia carried their memories with a grace that inspired those around her.

Throughout her long and full life, Patricia remained a beacon of kindness, resilience, and love. Her legacy is one of deep community ties, unwavering faith, and an enduring commitment to family. Those who knew her will remember a woman whose heart was as vast as the Delaware skies under which she lived, cherished, and ultimately departed. Her memory will continue to resonate fondly in the lives of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.

No formal ceremonies are currently scheduled. A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to AccentCare, 17855 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75287; or Milton Fire Department, 116 Front St., Milton, DE 19968.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.