Martha M. Patterson

Martha (Marty) Marie Patterson was born to Julius and Wilma Marie Rebstock July 6, 1923 in Wamac, IL. She left us to be with Jesus November 6, 2015. She was 92 years old. Martha graduated from Centralia Township H.S. in Centralia, IL, and then moved with her family to Paducah, KY. There she became a telephone operator with her sisters. August 3, 1944, she married a hometown boy, John (Johnny) Patterson. A few months after their wedding John was sent to New Guinea to serve with the Army Air Force and Martha returned to stay with her parents. John and Martha became the parents of Martha Sue Beane, their only child, November 25, 1945.

Eventually they separated and divorced and again Martha and “Susie” lived with Julius and Marie. In 1952 Martha married Barney L. Strickland and moved to Washington State where she lived until Barney’s death in 1967. At that time she went back to school at Skagit Valley College in Mt. Vernon, WA and received an LPN degree. She also learned to drive for the first time. She worked in several medical facilities until moving to Everett, WA. On January 1, 1972 she got the surprise of her life. She and John had been out of touch for 23 years. John, who had never remarried, contacted her and they were remarried March 24, 1972. He was assistant housekeeping director at Providence Hospital’s Colby campus and she worked in nursing homes. Both retired and moved to Monroe, WA to be near their daughter and grandchildren. John passed away September of 1999. Martha spent the last five years in Regency Care Center of Monroe where she had chosen to be and was very happy.

Martha loved reading her Bible and devotional book, “Streams in the Desert” as well as stories of old-time pioneers of the Northwest. She enjoyed painting and drawing. She and John were active in square dancing groups in the local area. But most of all she loved her family and being with them.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband John, Brother Bud, Sister Mildred and great-grandson Gavin. She is survived by daughter Sue and favorite son-in-law Rick, sisters Opal (Jack), Betty, and Brother Donald (Liz). Also surviving are grandchildren Scott (Cari),Gary (Dusti), Cyndie (Tony) and Barbie (Brandon) and great-grandchildren Shalaana, Clover, Paisley, Cora, Caydence and Jaxon.

She was a member of Cascade Community Church in Monroe, WA. A memorial to celebrate her life will be held there November 21, 2015 at 1:00 PM.