Betty Patterson, 97, Linn, after a long life of learning, teaching and sharing her faith passed away peacefully Oct. 18, 2025.
She was born Feb. 28, 1928, a daughter to the late Clarence and Lena (Welch) Gladden in Turley.
She grew up with a love of learning that became the hallmark of her life. After graduating high school in Plato, she moved to St. Louis to help care for her nieces, Pat and Peg, —a gesture that foreshadowed her lifelong devotion to teaching and nurturing others.
Betty then moved to Springfield to attend Southwest Missouri State College to pursue her teaching degree.
She was united in marriage to Wayne Patterson in June of 1952, and began a life together, rooted in shared faith, service and education.
Her teaching career spanned decades, beginning at Liberty School in a one room schoolhouse and then on to Willard, Huntsville, Fatima and Linn. Betty’s passion for education led her to earn her Master’s degree in Education from Lincoln University in 1979.
Beyond the classroom, while starting a family, she founded the State School in Linn, creating opportunities for students with special needs long before such programs were common, and found time to lead cub scouts, help launch the first kindergarten in Linn, and tutor international students.
When it came to sharing her faith while educating others, Betty directed Vacation Bible School, led the Women’s Missionary Union and started the Baptist Student Union at Linn Tech.
Her faith and commitment were steady and deep. When confusion began making life more difficult, she moved in with family in Columbia for over 11 years where she was cared for by amazing caregivers, including her grandkids, who brought joy to her days.
Betty then moved to The Baptist Home in Ironton in December 2022 where she enjoyed around the clock attention by a truly loving staff.
“Grandma Betty” - as she was known by so many - was one of a kind. Her infectious smile and love for ice cream will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Lena; and her four siblings.
Betty is survived by sons, Calvin and wife Lisa, David and wife Jill and Charles and wife Darlene; grandchildren, Brittne and husband Blake, Samuel and wife Kristina, Jenna, Zachary and Emma; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we believe that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). For this reason, we celebrate the life of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty Patterson, with joy and thankfulness.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, followed by the funeral service at First Baptist Church of Linn. Interment will be in Brighton.
Memorial contributions suggested in memory of “Grandma Betty” to The Baptist Home Arcadia Valley.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
