Carol Sue Patterson, age 68, passed away at her home on August 5, 2015, after a long battle with cancer.

Carol was born October 23, 1946 in Kirksville, Missouri to Lawrence Pearl and Vaden Thursa (Christy) Ross. On November 26, 1965, in Brashear, Missouri, Carol married Don Howard Patterson, and to this union three children were born.

Carol is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years; three children: David Don Patterson an wife, Lori of Kirksville, MO; Brian Paul Patterson of wife Shelle, of Mercer, MO; and Donna Lynn Scruggs and husband Gary of Kirksville, MO. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Andy Sundblad of Lexington, MO, Brady Bowling of Lancaster, MO, Millie Scruggs of Kirksville, MO and Katie Kristi, Alec and Clayson Patterson of Mercer, MO. Also surviving Carol are her three sisters: Barbara Beerbower, Donna Sorenson and husband Phil, and Janie Fortney and husband Melvin, all of Kirksville, MO. Carol is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Dr. Jack Ross, James Pearl Ross and Richard Ross, and her beloved niece, Kimberly Featherston.

Carol attended school in Brashear, MO, graduating in 1964. She then attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State). After she and Don were married, she worked as a legal secretary for Tom Brown and Bruce Normile. She worked as the head cook at Baring Elementary for many years. In 1981, Carol and Don moved to Rembrandt, Iowa and Carol began working as one of the secretaries at the high school at Sioux Rapids-Rembrandt. After that, she began what would become a long career as a Certified Dietary Manager, working at Sioux Care Center, Monroe Care Center, Ottumwa Regional Hospital, and Davis County Hospital.

In 2009, Carol and Don retired and moved to Kirksville to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and big extended family.

Carol was a very special lady. She loved to plant flowers and then sit outside with Don and admire them and watch them grow. She was a wonderful cook, and she loved having big family dinners in her home. She attended Faith United Methodist Church, and was very involved with all of the activities that included the little children. She always volunteered to help with Youth Group and Bible School. Carol's greatest joy in life was her seven grandchildren. She showered them with love and kindness, and they always knew that Grandma could be counted on for a hug, an ear to listen, and a heart to embrace them. The loved spending time with her, and she always encouraged them to be whoever they wanted to be. She never judged, she just opened her arms and her heart to them. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place Friday, August 7, 2015 in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home between 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It was Carol's wish to be cremated, and the family will have a private graveside service at a later date.

Memorials in Carol's name can be made to the Faith United Methodist Church, and can be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.