ILO PATTEN-OBERLIN

ILO PATTEN-OBERLIN, 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at her home. Born in Fort Wayne, Ilo was youngest of six children born to Harold and Bessie Friedrich. She graduated from Central High School in 1952 and returned to academics in 1982, with part-time studies at IPFW, earning her IU degree in 1988. Her career included positions at Magnavox, Rea Wire and Dana. In the public sector, Ilo served as Staff Assistant to Mayor Robert Armstrong, where she provided liaison with staff members, as well as with City Council, community leaders, and the news media. As a representative of that office, she had the opportunity to meet and greet important visitors to the city, including Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. In 1982, as Special Events Administrator at IPFW, Ilo supported the Chancellor in Community Relations by appearing on his behalf and writing speeches and articles for publication. She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for many years, and was currently active at her new church home, Covenant United Methodist Church, where she participated in Bible study groups, outreach, service and social activities. At home, she enjoyed reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, sewing and knitting. She was very proud of her Dickens Village displays, which grew each year and was a delight to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Richard D. Oberlin of Fort Wayne; son, William Patten of Fort Wayne; daughter, Laura (Billy) Wilson of Keller, Texas; stepsons, Steve (Dixie) Oberlin of Fishers and Richard Oberlin, Jr. of Baltimore, Md.; stepdaughters, Susan (Jim) Moran and Sharolyn (Roy) Heffron, both of Fort Wayne and Linda (Lance) Taylor of Wheatland, Calif.; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her older brothers, "Butch" and Paul; three sisters, Betty, Leta and Pat; step-daughter, Sandy (Jim) Clark; and grandson, Joe Oberlin. Funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday at Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, with calling one hour prior at the church. Calling also from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Memorials to American Lung Association or Parkview Home Health & Hospice. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.mccombandsons.com