Ronnie Arthur Patterson left this earth for his heavenly home on
February 20, 2023, in Marlow, Oklahoma, at the age of 75. A memorial
service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 4th, at
11:00 AM at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, Oklahoma. All
are welcome. Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral
Home.
Ronnie was born to Arthur and Estelle Patterson on
October 7, 1947. The second of four children, Ronnie was raised amidst
rows of cotton and melons in Hollis, Oklahoma. After graduating from the
Hollis High School, Ronnie found work at Republic Gypsum in Duke.
Later, Ronnie met and married Debra Talley. From this union were born
Ronnie's two daughters, Rebekah and Kimberly.
Life brought
Ronnie to Marlow, Oklahoma, and to Cable's Meat. The art of butchery and
the love of meat learned there followed Ronnie all his days. Ronnie's
spare time in Marlow was spent attending college at the Oklahoma
Missionary Bible College and photographing weddings and events.
Ronnie
later met and married his best friend and lifelong companion, Carol
Marie Stephenson of Little River, Kansas. Ronnie and Carol made a home
in Larned, Kansas. In Larned, Ronnie worked for the Youth Center at
Larned (YCAL) where found his calling in the protection and service of
at-risk children. Ronnie later earned his degree in Social Work from
Fort Hays State University in his early '50s. Ronnie's purpose of
protecting and serving our most vulnerable took them to several
locations in Kansas until finally settling in New Mexico until his
retirement in 2014.
Ronnie and Carol were steadfast partners in
travel and adventure, sharing their love of the mountains and the magic
within them. From the golden aspens in Colorado to New Mexico green
chiles, they experienced life together completely. When home, their
family of cats kept them company. Any given weekend they could be found
at the nearest venue listening to their favorite country singers in
concert. No matter the destination, they were together. Always.
Ronnie
is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Estelle Patterson of
Hollis, Oklahoma. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Carol Patterson of
Marlow, Oklahoma, daughter Rebekah Herring and husband Ron of Velma,
Oklahoma, and daughter Kimberly Smith and husband Dustin of Marlow,
Oklahoma. Ronnie is further survived by his older brother JC Patterson
and wife Mary, younger brother Tommy Patterson and wife Ada, and younger
sister Betty Seba and husband Larry. Surviving grandchildren are Lily
Swindell and husband Blake, Emma Herring, Nathan Herring, Addison
Herring, and Lincoln Smith. Ronnie will be missed by countless cousins,
nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law, and friends.
Ronnie's
family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to the
caring people at West Wind Assisted Living, Gregston's Nursing Home and
Traditions Hospice.
In memoriam and in lieu of flowers, Ronnie's family
asks that any contributions be made to Horizons Child Advocacy Center,
1600 N. Lorraine, Suite 202, Hutchinson, KS 67502.
Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.