Patterson, Jo

Jo Patterson, 85, of Washington, Iowa, died Sunday, April 1, 2012, at her residence following a brief illness. Celebration of life services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Stiles officiating. Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday at the Jones Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery, Washington, Iowa.

Memorials have been established for Lending Hands, the Washington Community Y, or Hospice of Washington County.

Online condolences may be sent for Jo's family through the web at .

Jo Patterson was born on March 26, 1927, in Washington, Iowa, to Darrell L. and Avis (Baker) Ross. She attended school in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1945. On June 3, 1945, she married J. Kenneth Patterson in Washington. Their marriage was a loving partnership based on mutual respect. She cared for him in the family home from the time of his stroke in April 1989 until his death there in September 1995.

For many years, she provided the support and assistance which Kenny and their sons needed on their family farm 11 miles northwest of Washington. She kept her freezers and pantry full of food and was always willing to serve a delicious meal. She prepared thousands of meals for hundreds of people through the years, hosting many dinners, receptions, reunions and parties.

She had a catering business in her home for a time. To eat at “Mrs. P's” table was a meal to remember. She delighted in providing her guests with the opportunity to enjoy good food and fun fellowship.

She loved to attend the activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was so very proud of all of them. She was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques, card games, jigsaw puzzles, and was devoted to visiting those who she knew were sick and needed a friendly visit. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Washington, and she was active in the local Washington Community Y where she volunteered for many activities.

She truly believed in being there for her family. They all thank her for a lifetime of showing us what love and commitment are really all about.

Jo is survived by five children, son Mike Patterson and wife Sandy of San Francisco, Calif., son Tim Patterson and wife Kathy of Cedar Rapids, son Tom Patterson of Washington, Iowa, son Rob Patterson and wife Nancy of Washington, and daughter Vickie Patterson of Washington, Iowa; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two stepgranddaughters; four stepgreat-grandchildren; one sister, Sheila Stebbins of Rockford, Ill.; and one brother, Bob Ross of Washington, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenny in 1995; one brother, Dick Ross; one grandson; and two daughters-in-law.

Published in The Gazette April 3, 2012.