Barbara Patterson

BARBARA JEAN PATTERSON

Walford

Barbara Jean Patterson, 79, of Walford, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. No services are being held, per her wishes. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.

Survivors include her sons, Doyle Patterson and Rusty Patterson, both of Walford; daughter-in-law, Lisa Patterson of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Zach (Shawna) Patterson of Atkins; two granddaughters, Brandi (Ibraheem) Ananzeh of Cedar Falls and Jessica Patterson (Ryan) of Center Point; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; her two best friends, Ruby and Fran; and a special companion, her dog, Buddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kevin; and brother, Dale.

Barb was born Sept. 15, 1937, in Bussey, Iowa, the daughter of Milo and Helen Metz. She graduated from Newton High School, where she was a basketball star on the girls' 6-on-6 team. She later worked at Rockwell Collins for many years as a machinist and was a proud member of the IBEW union. After retiring from Rockwell Collins, Barb liked to stay busy by working events at the Ponderosa Ballroom in Walford. She also worked for seven years at Walmart, where she could always be found with her signature smile and a friendly greeting for everyone.

Barb was very talented and crafty; she especially enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting, often making custom clothing, blankets and decor for her family and friends. She also was an editor of the Jim Beam Bottle Club and enjoyed writing the newsletter.

Barb always welcomed everyone into her home and maintained an "open door" policy throughout her life. She touched many people's lives, especially in the town of Walford. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for their wonderful care.

Memorials may be directed to the family.