MARIAN PATTERSON

MILLEDGEVILLE - Marian Ruth Patterson, age 80, of Milledgeville, died Monday, June 1, 2009, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center , Rockford . Marian was born Nov. 20, 1928, in Barnum , Minn. , the eldest daughter of Christian Hope and Ruth (Schwoch) Nelson. She married Carl E. Patterson on Sept. 25, 1948. He preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 1990.

Carl and Marian owned and operated Milky Way Farm for more than 30 years and entertained many guests from around the world. Marian was an active member of Milledgeville Church of the Brethren, where she served on many local and district level committees, taught Sunday school, and was a regional disaster coordinator. Marian was a 4-H leader for 20 years and was very active in the Carroll Country Extension Program. She also served on the Milledgeville Development Commission and was secretary of the Rock River Valley International Committee.

She is survived by four children, Rene (Vicki) Patterson of Seneca, S.C., Lorna (Mick) Weber of Daniels Island, S.C., Beth Patterson of Columbus, Ohio, and Ted (Elizabeth) Patterson of Milledgeville; three sisters, Myrtle (Lyle) Adolph, Dorothy (Alfred) Adolph, and Viola (Clarence) Lursen, all of Worthington, Minn.; five granddaughters, Megan, Haley, and Kylie Patterson, Jamie Miller, and Jessica Harker; and many nieces and nephews.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Margaret Nelson.

Memorial services were, June 4, at Milledgeville Dutchtown Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Rick Koch officiating. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Illinois, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Sterling Gazette, June 2, 2009