MARNO MARIE PATTERSON

LAMAR- Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Daniel Funeral Home for Marno Marie Patterson, 80, Lamar, who died Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Good Shepherd Community Care in Lockwood, after a short but brutal battle with dementia. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to the First Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Ed; three daughters, Jennifer O'Sullivan and husband Mike, Diane Riegel and husband Tim and Susan Ray and husband Alan, all of Lamar; seven grandchildren, Tara Carter and husband Justin, College Station, Texas, Trevor O'Sullivan and wife Marisa, Dallas, Texas, Tierney O'Sullivan, Ft. Worth, Texas, Kalie Hall and husband Colby, Springfield, Kylie Whyman and husband Matt, Lamar, Zachary Ray and wife Courtny, Republic and Nicholas Ray, Webb City; eight grandchildren, Vienne, Cerise and Gage Dupre, Callen and Isaiah Carter, Campbell and Grady O'Sullivan and Harrison Hall; one brother, Steve Muyers and wife Marilyn, Conway, Ark.; one brother-in-law, Wayne Patterson, Lamar and several nieces and nephews including Natalie Lea, Conway, Ark. and Rob Muyers, Fisher, Ark.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Bettie Jo Triebel and a sister-in-law, Linda Patterson.

Mrs. Patterson was born Aug. 31, 1942, in Springfield, to Joseph Clemens Muyers and Viva Marie (Marshall) Muyers. She lived in Halltown as a young child and moved to Golden City in the fourth grade. She graduated as Valedictorian from Golden City High School in the class of 1960. She held her first job as secretary for Kenny Howard with Lawn Boy, and then worked at Finley Engineering as secretary for Fred Finley. During these younger years she was a member of a woman's bowling league at Hillcrest Lanes, where she met the soon-to-be love of her life. He, along with his dark blue '63 Pontiac Grand Prix, caught her eye and on July 2, 1963, she married Carl Edward "Ed" Patterson in Miami, Okla.

For many years, Mrs. Patterson was a hard-working homemaker, farmer's wife and mom, before rejoining the "working world". She worked part-time as a salesperson for Davidson's Shoes and was an Independent Wastewater Tester with her Daddy and continued doing this after his passing before beginning a career at O'Sullivan Industries. She began working in accounts receivables and after taking classes she was accredited by the National Association of Credit Management as a certified credit executive, eventually becoming credit manager. In her 15 years of service she was admired for her sweet disposition and strong work ethic. After learning O'Sullivan Industries would be closing she secured a remote position with the Ameriwood in the credit department until they downsized. She then took a position in the diabetes center at Barton County Memorial Hospital until her retirement.

Every summer, she could be found working in the garden and then freezing, canning and sharing the bountiful harvests of fruits and vegetables. She was also known for her made-from-scratch cooking and baking. She honed the craft of decorating cookies, cakes and cupcakes. She beautifully decorated Christmas cookies and the girls continued the tradition when the decorating became too much for her hands.

Mrs. Patterson was an active member of the Barton County Republicans, held strong beliefs for the leadership in all levels of politics and was willing to discuss those thoughts and beliefs with anyone. She served the 31st Senatorial District for six years and the Central Committee for Jasper and Barton counties for four years. She also would help deliver and put up signage, offering support and helping with odd jobs.

As active and vocal as she was about politics, she was most passionate about her relationship with Jesus and studying her Bible. She knew her Bible, and most importantly, she knew how to live it. She loved and cared for her First Baptist Church family where she was long-time member. She served in multiple capacities including teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, leading GA's (Girls in Action), served on numerous committees throughout the years, participated in handbells and was an avid note-taker during sermons. For years she was a member of the Koinania Sunday School class, until recently joining the newly formed Mary and Martha class. Her strong faith led her through a battle with cancer in 2006, after which she became an active participant in Relay for Life.

Mrs. Patterson was a big Lamar Tiger fan and attended many athletic events, with track and cross-country meets holding a special place in her heart. Her most loved events included the ones her grandchildren participated in. Grandchildren and great-grands were her pride and joy. Her face lit up every time any of them came around. Their friends were always welcome to come along. She loved spending time outside on the farm and letting the kids explore and play.