Letha Elizabeth Patton

Letha Elizabeth Patton (née Downey), age 62 of Croton, OH walked into eternity on October 9th, 2024 where her sister Wendy, father Buddy, and countless loved ones no doubt greeted her with great joy (and hopefully one of Troyer’s cream-filled doughnuts!)

Born and raised in Central Ohio by the late Howard “Buddy” Downey and Barbara Downey (née

Shustek), Letha was the third child of five siblings. She grew up riding horses, adventuring

outdoors, loving Jesus, and bringing her light and playful spirit everywhere she went. She

graduated in 1980 from Northridge High School and went on to get a degree in nursing from

Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Letha married Randall Patton in 1985 and celebrated

thirty-nine years of marriage in September of 2024.

Letha is survived by her mother, Barbara Downey, her siblings Doug Downey and family, Marie

Downey Kean and family, Beccie Downey and family, her husband, Randall Patton along with

their seven children: Benjamin Patton, Jonathan Patton (Polly), Kathryn Frantz (Tim), Audra

Mathews (Joel), Daniel Patton (Hannah), Annie Patton, and Amy Patton; their ten grandchildren

who lovingly called her Grammy and Nan: Ivory, Shiloh, Claire, Juliette, Zealand, Liliana,

Ezekiel, Isabella, Millie, and Micaiah.

Letha loved every single person she encountered and they loved her back. Like a loving

shepherd to her flock, she nurtured every relationship with care and made sure that there was

no such thing as a “lone wolf” in her presence. She was a friend to the friendless, sought out the

single mothers, supported those in need, adopted the ones with no family, and opened her

doors to those society deemed “outliers”. Everyone was, as she said, “God’s favorite.” No

language barrier could deter her, no hard personality could set her off, no valley was too wide

that she wouldn’t find a way to cross. In loving people, she was determined.

As far as success goes, she was the most successful person in the world. Her life was spent

well: in the service of her family and others, homeschooling seven children, celebrating 39 years

of marriage, teaching, discipling, winning souls, and cultivating life-long friendships; she is

celebrated as the true woman of God that she was and will always remain.

The memories we shared with her will be like cherished heirlooms - blessing us continually. As

we grieve her loss on this earth, we draw inspiration from her life as an example of what

love-in-action looks like.

May her memory be a blessing to you. May her life inspire you. May her wisdom be a constant

comfort. May the memories of her hugs warm your soul.

Until we see you again, we love you!