Obituary: Joan Patterson

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In memory of

Joan Patterson

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 70

Joan Dorthy Miller was born on May 17, 1941 in Jud ND, a daughter to Theodore and Lorraine (Jerke) Miller. She started school with German as her first language and was learning English as she attended school in Ellendale, Edgely, and Kulm North Dakota, among others, and finished with her school with graduation in 1959 in Philip, South Dakota. As a young girl, she cared for her brother and sister and younger cousins. She learned in those years to become an amazing cook and caretaker. She worked at the Senechal Hotel where she met Jerry Patterson. They were married on March 24, 1966 in Philip, when she became mother to a ready-made family of six children. She and Jerry were later blessed with two daughters.
     She loved to be with her family and especially loved to go out to the field and check the wheat with Jerry. She helped with everything on the farm and enjoyed taking meals out to the field during harvest.
     In her later years she would decorate for every holiday with Christmas time being her favorite. She and her sister, her best friend, would sit in the kitchen and wrap Christmas presents while drinking "Coke" and eating chocolate covered cherries. They would sit for hours speaking German about the gifts they were wrapping, and every little while they would laugh because they knew the kids didn't understand.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy and they all wanted to sit with "Gammy" and read stories. She truly loved homemaking and taking care of her family.
     Blessed with sharing her life are her husband Jerry Patterson, eight children Robert Patterson, Sharon Bebout of Las Vegas, NV, Grant (Susan) Patterson, Scott (Arla) Patterson, Cindy (Mark) VanderMay, Tammy (Mark) Carlson, Lisa Patterson, and April Wheat Patterson, all of Kadoka. She also had 26 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, extended family and many, many friends.
     Joan was preceded in death by her parents; one brother DeWayne Miller; and two sisters Carlyn Williams and Inis Iris Miller as an infant.
Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. Thursday, December 29, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, and one hour preceding the services on Friday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Gus Craven officiating.
Interment was at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
Memorials may be sent to Jerry Patterson, P.O. Box 35, Kadoka, SD 57543

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, December 30, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Pastor Gus Craven
MUSIC
Boyd Porch - Pat Porch - John Kaiser
“Where Could I Go”
“Mansion Over The Hilltop”
USHERS
Skyler Patterson - Seth Carlson
Kenar VanderMay - Jeffrey Patterson
PALLBEARERS
Dallas Kendrick - Chris Kendrick
Nicholas Patterson - Preston Patterson
Joey Patterson - Torian Romero
Cordal Romero - Colter Carlson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Grandchildren
Kenny - Melissa - Adi - Tashia - Tanna - Jerad
Tia - Lane - Kanan - Tere - Bethany
Jarrett - Rhiannon - Tianna
Great-Grandchildren
Porter - Seth - Eve - Judah - Paisley - Cayden
Ashlynn - Erika - Brendon - Dalton - Peyton
Tayan - Shayla - Tyler - Jagger - Hayley - Carter
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, December 29, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, Interment: Kadoka Cemetery.

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Our hearts are with you all. A bright light has gone out in our world and the last of Lorraine's children have joined her.
I loved Joan's easy laugh and they way her blue eyes would sparkle with delight. How precious the sound of her voice was to me as the sisters, Joan and Carlyn, had the same voice.
May you be greatly comforted by The Comforter himself as you walk through these dark days.
With our love and prayers ~ Rocky and Rebecca Williams Philip (12/25/2011)
So sorry to hear about the loss of Joan. She so loved Christmas and lights and all things associated with it. I was glad to help out last year with the shopping. Joan showed everyone courage as she struggled with her health. "Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead." Louisa May Alcott ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (12/25/2011)
My deepest sympathy to you. It is always hard to lose a parent especially over the holidays. ~ Stephanie Rodgers Wessington,SD (12/25/2011)
We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Cherish the beautiful memories. ~ Shane and Janelle Popwell Wellington, Texas (12/25/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this very sad time. May you find peace and comfort to help ease the heartache. Love, Mike and Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (12/25/2011)
Jerry and Family I got to know Joan when I had the Laundry and did her rugs. Such a friendly person and always had a smile for me. Our Prayers are with you at this sad time . Sincerly Bruce and Bonnie ~ Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (12/25/2011)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joan was my cousin and I always admired her smile and the strength she showed no matter what her circumstances. She is home now and no more pain. ~ Della Sargent 1641 Ash Lane, Corinth, TX 76210 (12/25/2011)
My mom loved my dad every single minute of every day for over 45 years. She would wait for him to come home from the farm or come over to the pickup to have supper during harvest time. Every single time her face would light up and she was so excited to see him. Dad and mom showed me what true love is and I hope someday I can have a love like theirs.....I love you mom and dad... ~ April Wheat Patterson Kadoka S.D. (12/25/2011)
So sorry to hear about the loss of Joan. May God guide you all at this difficult time. Prayers will all of you.
~ Kristi (Spears) Stevahn Creswell, Oregon (12/25/2011)
My mom was my inspiration, when I was little she comforted me in her arms, when I was shy, I hid behind her until I gained confidence, always there when I needed her. I will always call on my Mom for inspiration because I will always have her words on my mind and in my heart. ~ Lisa Kay Patterson Kadoka SD (12/25/2011)