Patrica “Patty” L Jaynes- Nordquist Passed away peacefully on July 17^th, 2024, age 89, surrounded by family. She was born Sept 23, 1934, in Centerville, Iowa to parents Ruby (Brinegar) & Lloyd Stansberry. Patty graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1953. She married Rex Jaynes in 1954 and by 1955 she brought home the first of three sons, Lonnie. This was soon followed by sons Randy in 1956 and Jeffrey in 1959. She later married Gordon Nordquist in 1995, of which developed a long-lasting friendship. Patty was the proudest of her children and enjoyed the time she spent with family. Patty knew her own mind and her authoritative spirit carried her through many areas of her life. She was a dedicated employee having worked as a Bookkeeper, Executive Secretary, and other office related positions for most of her adult life until her retirement at age 75.

Patty enjoyed a variety of hobbies over the years including crocheting and mastering the art of quilting. Her fun side was reflected in her enthusiasm for riding motorcycles and grabbing opportunities to take short adventures when offered. She had a great love of the outdoors. This could be seen in her love of landscape gardening at her homes. It was all about the careful planning and planting of just the right flowers and plants designed to complement each other, the rest of her yard, and the overall esthetic of her home.  When the work of preparing the gardens was finished, she found great joy in watching each plant or flower bloom, marveling at their beauty, and sharing this passion with others. Her love of home and hearth was also reflected in her discriminating approach to decorating wherever she lived. There was always a meticulous method to her execution of an idea. Her home always reflected her desire to have everything in proper order.

Patty’s great sense of fashion and a flair for style could especially be noticed once the holiday season arrived. She loved holidays because this meant getting together with family and loved ones. She always got so excited about Thanksgiving, which began with the annual crushing of the fresh cranberries.  But Thanksgiving also meant that her favorite hobby was upon her, the annual decorating for Christmas.  This required many hours and days to get everything in its rightful place inside and out. The holidays will not be the same without her.

Patty is preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Ruby Stansberry as well as her beloved poodles. She is survived by her siblings Phil Stansberry, Sandra Patterson and Nancy Ostdiek and husband Bob. Her children Lonnie and wife Barb Jaynes of Melbourne, Florida. Randy Jaynes of Prairie Grove, Arkansas.  Jeff Jaynes and wife Mitzi Drake of Springfield, MO. And her lifelong close friend Pete Cornell of Ottumwa, Iowa. As well as grandchildren, Zac Jaynes, Ryan Jaynes, Jillian McNeely, Jessie Jaynes, April Martinez, Amy Faulkner, Sara Phillips, Zac Drake.  She is also survived by the many great and great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews with whom she was blessed, and her loving devoted Cat named Kitty.

“In the Garden of eternity, where flowers never fade, our dear gardener tends with love, in peaceful serenade.”  by Lucy Brown

The service for Patty will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 11:00 AM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Her burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.