Ethel Lori "Nonie" Patterson Obituary (2015)

Ethel Lori "Nonie" Patterson passed away peacefully August 22, 2015 in St. George, Utah, surrounded by family at the age of 86. She is survived by her son, James Kameron Patterson, grandchildren Nancy Therese Patterson, Robin Lindsay Patterson, Konnor James Patterson, several siblings, nieces nephews, and preceded by her husband James Francis Patterson. Lori was born in Rockford, ID, in 1928 to her beloved mother, Bessie Lewis. She moved to California in 1946 to attend dental nurses training school. She worked briefly for Pillsbury Mills in San Francisco, followed by San Quentin state prison as a secretary. But she took her most fateful job at the Hamilton Air Force base NCO club in 1958 where she met-- and soon married-- her husband, James "Jim" Patterson. They settled down in Novato, CA after returning from Guam, where they welcome their first son, and only child, in the winter of 1960. While Jim went on to serve 3 tours in Vietnam, Lori began home daycare service in her home while raising her son, where she helped raise children who became life-long friends of her son, Kameron. She transitioned into catering in 1972, which turned into a successful and lucrative career for over 30 years. She became a grandmother in the fall of 1985 and again in 1988. She dedicated her life to creating a memorable and magical childhood for her granddaughters and many of their friends. After retiring from catering for several Rotary clubs in Marin County in 2004, she settled in St. George, Utah. There, she spent her final 11 years helping raise her grandson, staying active in her community and constantly working on home and landscaping projects. During the holidays every nook and cranny of her home was decorated, sometimes filled with several Christmas trees. She greeted carolers with homemade brownies and hot cocoa; Christmas time was by far the happiest time for her. She was known for her continuing desire for home projects, going as far to build-out several structures in her homes and yards. Lori loved to give back and help all of those around her. She was an avid supporter of all who served, including veterans and her local police officers. Her giving heart and kind spirit will continue to live on through all of her loved ones and those she touched. "Here's wishing you happy trails!" If you would like to commemorate Lori's legacy, please make a donation in her honor to Disabled American Veterans.