Betty Patterson Obituary

Betty Jane Patterson

Betty Jane Patterson, 84, of rural Findlay, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026. She was born November 23, 1941, in North Baltimore to the late Harold and Mary (Hosley) Ives. On June 10, 1959, she married the love of her life, Melville James Patterson Sr. Together, they raised a loving family and celebrated over 58 years of marriage.

She is survived by their four children, Harold Patterson, Laurie (Sam) Girdler, Mel Jr. (Doreen) Patterson and Mark Patterson; grandchildren, Nick (Lauren) Girdler, Kelly (Bryce) Hanlon, Andy Girdler, Daniel Patterson; Anna Girdler and Cody Switzer; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Girdler, Graeme Hanlon, David Girdler and Nora Joy Hanlon. Also surviving her are a sister, Mary Lou Zeigler; brothers-in-law, Ed Lockmiller, Wid Deahl, Dwight (Ruth) Patterson, Timm (Deborah) Patterson, and Mike (Cyndi) Patterson; and a sister-in-law, Kathy (Dennis) McGrain.

She was also preceded in death by Baby Patterson; sisters, Frances Lockmiller and Harriet Deahl; brothers-in-law, Jim Zeigler and Jack L. Patterson; and a sister-in-law, Martha Patterson.

Betty grew up on a farm in North Baltimore. She married her high school sweetheart and became a lifelong homemaker with Mel. She loved spending time together with family and friends. Her hospitality was open to all. The 10 foreign exchange students that Mel & Doreen and Cody hosted became her international grandchildren. She always cooked for a large group, hosted parties and fed leftovers to the kitties. She loved to travel and spend time in Florida during the winter. In the summertime, she loved being outside working in her garden, raking leaves, tending to flowers and collecting rocks. She drove a Bee Buggy and a golf cart with a bed on back for her gardening tools and rock collection. She is probably placing rocks and planting flowers around the Pearly Gates.

Betty was a lifelong member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in North Baltimore, where she and Mel directed the youth fellowship and family ministries.

A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Church of the Good Shepherd with Pastor Megan Kerr officiating. Burial will follow at New Maplewood Cemetery, North Baltimore.

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Betty's honor to Church of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 235, North Baltimore, OH 45872.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.