Ronnie passed away at age 92 on June 25, 2021, at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center. She was born on April 5, 1929, in Mecklenburg County and was a longtime resident of Brookdale Providence Carriage Club. She was a devoted member of Providence Community Church at Carriage Club.
Ronnie was predeceased by her parents, Otis Morris and Ethel Gleaslen; step-father, John Gleaslen; and sisters, Lillian Haigler and June Wilson.
Ronnie is survived by her children; daughter, Sandee Patton; twin sons, Wes Patton and Bill (Gail) Patton; granddaughters, Vanessa (Bobby) Hilton and Gayle (Matt) Risse; great grandchildren, Wyatt (Taylor), Shelby, Amanda (Dan), Haley, Sam, Bobby III, Lily and Matthew; and great-great grandchildren, Luke and Annie. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Faulkner.
Ronnie had a knack for words and won spelling bees while in high school. She was a registered nurse graduating from Mercy School of Nursing in 1949 and began her career as an emergency room nurse at Mercy Hospital. She later worked in the outpatient operating room and emergency room at Presbyterian Hospital where she was recruited to assist in developing the Eye Center Department where she was famously known as “General Patton” until she retired in 1992. Immediately after retiring she began training with the Red Cross as a Disaster Team Nurse and traveled throughout the United States and Guam working to assist victims at over 20 disasters for many years. After seeing the therapy dogs in action during her Red Cross work at the 9/11 site, she raised a therapy dog (Radar) and they visited many nursing homes and hospitals in the Charlotte area.
Ronnie enjoyed traveling, hiking, reading, bird watching and playing bingo with her friends. She loved visits with her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Nani”. She loved her years with family and friends at Lake Wylie Marina where she had a boat aptly named “The Little General” which she learned to drive, maintain and tie up to friends’ boats for weekend parties. She loved her dog “Bruno” who now lives with her friend, Cindy.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 pm Saturday, July 10, 2021, at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, with a service to celebrate Ronnie's life following at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.
Ronnie’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, especially the Hospice Team for the love and care of their mother and their support of the family during this difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Ronnie by making a donation to the Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203, online at https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/give/in-honormemory-of/.
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