Marilyn Nell Patterson

Marilyn was born to William Jennings Bryan Phelps and Mary Louise Phelps on May 2, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas. She met her future husband, Darrell Alton Patterson, while they were both students at Kansas State University. They began their family life in Wichita with the blessing of two sons and one daughter born to them there. They later moved to Seattle, Washington where they finished raising their children until Darrell took early retirement from Boeing and they moved to Salem, Oregon. Darrell took a job at Western Baptist College (now Corban University) and Marilyn was a constant support in his ministry there. When Darrell fully retired, he developed serious health problems which required constant care, and Marilyn became his faithful caregiver for many years. After Darrell passed away in 2012, Marilyn was able to remain in the home she loved until she passed into her much greater heavenly home.

Marilyn was a lifelong homemaker and excelled in caring for her family. She loved to cook and keep a tidy home. She was an avid bird watcher and loved to tend to her many flowers. Her priority was always selflessly serving others, and she especially had a heart for helping needy seniors. All of this was a reflection of her deep love of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her family knew she prayed for each of them every day and would always be there for them, giving added reason for her to be greatly missed.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her three sisters: Alice Lee Whitwell, Eleanor Hoskinson and Shirley Walton. Her successors include her sons, Michael Patterson (Kathy), David Patterson (Karen), her daughter Alleyne Holtmeier (David), eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church located at 1150 Hilfiker Ln. SE in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, May 6th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Corban University.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Patterson family.