Helen Patterson

1911 - 12

Helen Thompson Douds Patterson, 99, of Indiana, Pa., formerly of Yatesboro, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at St. Andrews Village. Helen was born Dec. 11, 1911, in Plumville, the second child of the late Joseph Willison Douds and Emma Thompson Douds. Her parents owned the General Store in Plumville. Helen was the last surviving member of her family and was preceded in death by three brothers, J. L. "Red", Donald, and Ray Douds; and a sister, Emma Louise Holleran. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Alexander "Bunt" Patterson, in 1980. Helen was a devoted mother to Patricia (Gerard) Conboy, Mary Louise (Thomas) Hollman, Judith (Charles) Beswick, Joan (George) Rittenberger, Gregory (Corleen) Patterson and Edwin (Susan) Patterson. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen enjoyed hosting family gatherings and delighted in following the activities and talents of her offspring. She kept her family connected through letters which always contained newspaper clippings of local events. After graduating from Plumville High School in 1930, she worked for Ansley's Chevrolet in Plumville. Part of her job was to travel to Michigan to drive back the new cars. In 1933, she married Alexander Patterson and they settled in 1938 in Yatesboro where she lived for 67 years. She was an active member of the Yatesboro Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Session. She was involved in community affairs, Rural Valley PTA, Shannock Valley Band Parents and the Rural Valley Women's Civic Club. She was also an active canvasser for the American Cancer Society. After her children graduated from high school, she and her friend, Emma Lou Tost, continued to be loyal supporters of Shannock Valley School and community events. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the CARSON/BOYER FUNERAL HOME INC., 724 Main St., Rural Valley. A celebration of Helen's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with her pastor, Ronald Long, officiating. Interment will follow at the Rural Valley Cemetery. Donations in Helen's memory can be made to Indiana County Parks and Trails, c/o Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Somerset Trust Building, 116 Market St., Suite 4, Johnstown, PA 15901; or the Indiana Free Library, 845 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA 15701.