Harriet Lurene Patterson's Obituary
On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Harriet Lurene Coleman Patterson, loving wife and mother of two daughters, passed away at the age of 96. Harriet was born on January 9, 1925 in Perry, IA to Ross and Fannie Coleman. She went to Perry elementary and high schools and received a degree in Home Economics Education from Iowa State College in 1947. She taught Home Economics in Sioux Center, IA for two years where she met Alvin (Pat) Russell Patterson. They were married on August 8, 1948 in Perry, IA. They moved to Luverne, MN for seven years where their two daughters Jan and Carol were born. After spending two years in Emmetsburg, IA, they settled in Ames in 1957. Harriet and Pat had a passion for travel. Summers exploring the country with their young daughters gradually became summers enjoying blueberry pancakes and hiking with their grown daughters' families at the cabin in Estes Park, CO. Retirement brought warm winters in Mesa, AZ and lovely visits to their daughter in San Diego. Harriet and Alvin were long time members of First United Methodist Church. Harriet served on the board of trustees, the United Methodist Women, planning UMYF Wednesday night meals and church Holiday Fairs. Harriet had an exceptional talent and passion for helping others with sewing and crafting teddy bears, quilts, Santas, prayer shawls, and Christmas stockings. As an accomplished cook, Harriet shared her wonderful pies and desserts with family, friends and fairgoers. Harriet served her community: active in PEO, district board member of Camp Fire, leader of her daughters' Camp Fire groups, and founding supporter of Ames Meals on Wheels. Harriet loved being active, dancing and kicking her heels up with Pat at Red Friars. She loved bridge club and shared card games with the family on holidays. She loved her ISU Cyclones and her basketball season tickets. Harriet and Alvin's love led to an amazing marriage of 72 years. Harriet was preceded in death by her mother Fannie, father Ross, and older brother Donald. She is survived by her beloved husband Alvin (Pat), her daughter Jan (Greg) Glaser, her daughter Carol (Jeff) Waters, grandsons Michael (Megan) Glaser, Torin (Danelle) Waters, Derek Waters and two great granddaughters Emma Glaser and Lenora Waters. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund at 516 Kellogg Ave., Ames, IA 50010. Per family wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
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