Marguerite Patten

Marguerite (Ruggles) Patten, 86, of Hazelhurst Way, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, June 18, 2009.

Her husband of 53 years, Donald O. Patten, Sr., died in 2004. She leaves her son, Donald O. Patten, Jr. and his wife Jan of Sterling; two daughters, Jane Patten Ricard of Douglas and Joy Patten of Winchendon; five grandchildren, Megan and Gabriel Ricard, Elise and Aaron Kesseli, and Sarah and Chase Patten; and three great-grandchildren, Anthony, Justin and Aaliyah Rosa. A brother, Louis H. Ruggles and a sister, Helen R. Barratt, predeceased her. She was born and raised in Hardwick, the daughter of Louis O. and Nellie May (Hanson) Ruggles and lived over 25 years in Marstons Mills and 33 years in Sterling.

Mrs. Patten graduated from Salem High School in Salem, NH and the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics. She was 4-H Agent for the Worcester and Barnstable County Extension Service for 30 years, retiring in 1985. Previously, she was a therapeutic dietitian at both Hartford and Hahnemann Hospitals. She was a member of The First Church in Sterling and West Parish of West Barnstable where she served on several committees. She was a former director of the Barnstable County Fair and chairman of the Youth Day Committee. She founded the "Bonnie Brae" 4-H Camp in Gardner.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 22th in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th in The First Church in Sterling, 6 Meeting House Hill Road, Sterling. Burial will be private in Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester County 4-H Center - Camp Marshall, 92 McCormick Rd., Spencer, MA 01562.

www.milesfuneralhome.com