Katheryne Patterson, 99, died at 3:40 a.m. May 18, 2010 at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. She was born Oct. 24, 1910 in Bluffton to Albert and Anna Leichty Lugibill. Her twin sister Dorthea was born and died on the same day. Katheryne graduated from Bluffton High School in 1928 where she was a well-rounded athlete. She attended Ohio State University and graduated from Bluffton College in 1932 where she was on the women's basketball, softball, and tennis teams, and was a cheerleader. She also sang in many groups while attending high school and college. After graduation Katheryne taught in Crawford County and Pemberville. She coached girl's basketball and softball. On Aug. 2, 1936 she married Don Patterson who preceded her in death on July 23, 1992. She resumed teaching in the Bluffton schools and taught Physical Education in the High School and Elementary Music in grades K-7 for 20 years. Katheryne was a life-long member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton where she took her turn in directing the choirs and also sang in the choir for many years. She belonged to the Travel Class, Alpha Gamma, Bridge Club (organized by Phyllis Diller), Goldenaires, Bluffton College Cantata Singers. Scrap Artist Quilt Club, Women's Circle, and volunteered at the Etcetera Shop and Bluffton Hospital. She joined the Bluffton College Community Choir in 1926 and sang in the annual rendition of Handel's Messiah 69 years in a row. Survivors include twin daughters, Connie (Dennis) Kear of Houston, Texas, Nancy Fruchey of Bluffton, a son Don (Pamela) Patterson of Findlay, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brothers, Waldo, Clarence and, Homer Lugibill, sisters, Estelle Wollmann and Nelle Augsburger and a son-in-law Dick Fruchey. A memorial service will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 30, 2010 at the First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Revs. Steven J. Yoder and Louise Wideman will officiate. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church or Bluffton University Music Department. Arrangements by Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton.
