Barbara PattersonAmes, OK

Barbara Elaine Patterson, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Ames on October 26, 2026. Services are Thursday, October 29, 11am, Ames Baptist Church. Visitation and viewing starts at 10am, graveside services following. A luncheon will be held at Ames Community Center.

A lifelong resident of Ames, OK, Barbara was born May 7, 1941 to Budd and Pearl Turner Sturgeon. She lived her entire life on a farm near Ames. She married Coy Patterson in 1960, and to this union two children were born, Rhesa (Evan) Patterson Funk and Bud Neal (Debbie) Patterson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marcia (Larry) Swart.

Barbara’s greatest joys came from serving her church, Ames Baptist. She attended Ames Baptist from age 1 month to age 85. She faithfully served the Lord in every capacity in the church. She was a member or leader of all committees numerous times, organized church events for over six decades, and cooked 1000’s of meals for funerals, church dinners and the sick. She taught Sunday School for 59 consecutive years. She led the singing and was youth leader for many years. She was a leader in Community Vacation Bible School for over 30 years, and was also a Falls Creek Youth Camp Sponsor and Cook for more than 20 years.

In addition to her activities and service to the church, Barbara was dedicated to the Ames community where she helped with blood drives, fund raisers, Ames Day, school events, and all things 4-H and FFA. She and Coy became Amway Distributors in 1987, reaching the level of Pearl Direct. She also worked for the ASCS, Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, in Fairview, 1960-62, before her children were born.

She and Coy enjoyed extensive travel during their years together, traveling coast to coast over the years of their married life, with many trips to the Smokey Mountains.

Barbara was passionate about the education and extra-curricular activities of her children. During their youth she attended, organized, sponsored and/or helped with all 4-H, FHA and FFA events. She contributed much time and effort to livestock shows, music concerts, science fairs, speech contests and all school activities. She continued her service to the children of Ames in these rolls long after her own children were raised.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 66 years, Coy, her children Rhesa and Bud Neal, two grandchildren Coy Dale (Skylar) Funk and Chloe Patterson, three step-grandchildren Shane (Stephanie) Funk, Clay (Katie) Funk, and Chris (Charity) Funk, and their children, and newest great-grandchild, Remington Pearl.

The family would like to express a special heartfelt thank you to Barbara’s long-term caregivers Gladys Morris, Abby Turner-Crews, Emily Young and recently, Tammy Longest. Additional thanks to the ladies at HomeWell Care Services of Enid: Kala Baker and Rita Chapman. And sincere appreciation to Enid Circle of Love Hospice: Brandy and Kayla. Each of these women have been a tremendous help and comfort to our family in the last years and weeks of Barbara’s life.

Pastor Bryan Laramore will preside over the services with assistance from Pastor Steve Campbell. Visitation and viewing will be 10am, Thursday, October 29, Ames Baptist Church. Services will be 11am, Thursday, October 29, Ames Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Ames Cemetery under the direction of Anderson Burris Funeral Home. Luncheon following graveside at Ames Community Building.

Memorials may be made to Ames Baptist Church, PO Box 597, Ames OK, or Ames Volunteer Fire Dept, PO Box 598, Ames, OK.