A visitation for Wilma will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. A sharing of memories will occur Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. A graveside service will occur Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:15 PM at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe, Kansas 66062.
Born on March 16, 1926, in Sandridge, Illinois, near Murfreesboro, Louise was the daughter of Julian Wayman Franklin and Essie James Franklin. She grew up moving frequently across Illinois and Kentucky as her father worked in heavy equipment operation. By her senior year, she was ready for roots and settled in Granite City, Illinois, where she met the love of her life, Wilbur Allen "Pat" Patterson.
Louise’s favorite subject in school was math, which proved valuable in later years as she managed bookkeeping for the family businesses. While she found school somewhat dull, she completed her work quickly and was eager to begin working full-time. After high school, like many women of her time, she began working for the government at the Army Depot, where she also worked alongside her mother after her parents moved to Granite City.
Her journey of faith began as a teenager at a tent revival, and this deep-rooted faith would become the foundation of her life and marriage. Louise was a devoted partner to Pat, whom she married on February 11, 1946, in Kentucky with his brother Clifton and sister-in-law Tilly as witnesses. Together, they built their first home and welcomed two of their three children: Joyce and Karen. They later moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where they built their final home, fondly called the Patterson's Ponderosa. It was there that David was born. Many hours of fun were spent in the house they built. Pat and Louise were avid Pinochle players and had weekly games with church friends. The basement was often full of friends of the children.
Louise was a devoted member of Nall Avenue Baptist Church, where she served in the women's ministry, and was a key volunteer. She was known for her quiet strength, fierce loyalty, and devotion to her family and community. An accomplished seamstress, she created everything from gowns to elaborate costumes, like the one she made for Hello, Dolly!, which the director declared the most impressive he’d seen.
In addition to her church work, Louise held roles at the IRS and Luzier Cosmetics, often bringing home little treasures from the latter that delighted her daughters. She was known for her hospitality and cooking, especially her famous potato salad, ham, and red-eye gravy, a favorite among family and friends. Even as an "empty nester," Louise remained active in church activities and continued her church work at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Overland Park, cooking for celebrations and volunteering with friends.
She and Pat were regulars at the church while serving on building committees, working in the nursery, supporting the library and making meals for church celebrations.
After a long and healthy life, she and Pat stayed in their home until age 93. Though hesitant at first, Louise embraced her new community, where she became known for her warm welcome, joyful spirit, and love for meeting new friends. Her joyful presence was cherished by many.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings William Carroll Franklin and Virginia Franklin, and her husband, Pat. She is survived by her beloved children, Joyce Elaine Stefka (Art), Karen Lee Allen (Joe), and David Allen; her grandchildren, Jason Stefka (April), Bradley Stefka (Vanessa), Kaitlin Allen Erkkila (Josh), Taylor Allen Mansfield (John), Clayton Allen (Jenna), MacKenzie Patterson, Austin Patterson and her great-grandchildren, Sophie, Abigail, Judson, and Violet Stefka; Jonathan, William, and Elizabeth Erkkila; Mattox, Lydia, and Charlotte Mansfield; and Lili and Oriana Allen.
Louise leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to her family. She is now reunited with her Heavenly Father and her beloved Pat, resting in peace.
