Born February 14, 1925 in Bonny Creek Horikiwi, New Zealand to James and Jane (MacDonald) Patterson. She departed this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on April 30,2019.
Jean was a very self-less, giving person as well as the matriarch of our entire family. She usually did without herself to make her family and others happy. She opened her heart and her home to many throughout her lifetime and in doing so; changed their lives. Because cooking was one of her greatest talents and passions, she served her famous “down home cooking” to her family and any hungry person that came into her home (best apple pie ever). She also enjoyed baking and decorating elaborate, beautiful birthday and wedding cakes for family and others. To go along with the wedding cakes, she had a special talent for creating gorgeous floral arrangements. Jean’s greatest love was her family. Many happy memories were made camping on weekends at the Lake or camping/hunting trips. So much fun tailgating at the local stock car races with children and grandchildren! She could sew and crochet and enjoyed gardening. She definitely had a green thumb! Along with that came home-canning and freezing for more delicious dinners!
Jean loved the Lord with all hear heart and so in her lifetime served in many volunteer capacities in various churches: Church Pianist, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director and of course, organizing many church dinners! By the giving lifestyle that she lead on a daily basis, she set an example for her children that will be passed on for generations. Love the Lord and love others.
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Ernest “Butch” Young and many children and grandchildren.
Children and their spouses: Candy Rice (preceded in death) husband Bill; Paula Austin, husband George; John Schneider; Cindy Wilkerson, (husband John preceded in death); Jim Young, Tye Young, wife Megan.
Grandchildren and their spouses: Jennifer, husband Chad; Beth; Steven, wife Keli; Michele, Melissa, Michael, Mitchel, Sarah; Kimberly, Will; Joshua, wife Sash, Caleb, wife Sheen, Jessica (fiancee Tyler); Willow.
Great Grandchildren and their spouses: Chelsey, husband Zack, Mica, Abigail; Rachel, husband Noah, Jordan; Morgan, Kira, Eli; Bryan, Cheyanne, Jacob; Blake, Cloe, Catie, Kinsey, Preston; Justice, Braxton, Elijah, Heston.
Great-Great Grandchildren: Callie-ann, Ada-lynn and Hudson.
Jean is also survived by several “adopted family” that call her “Mom”. She leaves behind in the care of her husband, her beloved dog, Marley and her rabbit, Tommy Jr.
Jean has lead a long rewarding Christian life and her departure to Heaven will leave a huge void in our hearts, but we know she is no longer in pain or struggling. We thank the Lord that we had the privilege to be part of her life. We declare her a true Proverbs 31 woman. We rise up and call her blessed! We will love you forever and miss you terribly, but because of the promise of Heaven; we will see you again soon!
Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (one of her favorite charities).