Rita Kay Patterson

Rita Kay (Harms) Patterson was born April 19, 1937, to Waldo V. and Hilda M. (Nachtigal) Harms at Axtell Christian Hospital in Newton, KS. She was called to her Heavenly Home on January 22, 2026.

Rita attended Star Elementary School, rural Whitewater, KS, and graduated from Newton High School in 1954 at which time she was employed by Newton USD 373 as secretary to H. W. Scott, Superintendent of Schools, for six years. For a short time later, she was employed as secretary at the Whitewater Elementary School.

Rita was baptized in the First Mennonite Church, Newton on June 2, 1952, and later became a faithful member of the Grace Hill Mennonite Church, rural Whitewater. She was active in her church and community in many, varied ways.

On November 22, 1958, Rita married Dean H. Patterson at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, and they enjoyed 67 years of a wonderful marriage. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbor.

Never intending to become rich or famous, they built a beautiful life together on the farm filled with love, laughter and faith in God while raising their children, tilling the soil, caring for animals and enjoying God’s wonderous creation. One of her greatest joys was helping nurture the grandchildren and great-grandchildren all the while praying for their eternal destination with the Heavenly Father.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Dean, sons Douglas (Janene) Patterson, Darrell (Loretta) Patterson, and daughter Laurie (Chad) Dove; Grandchildren Nicole (Shawn) Menefee, Katie (Justin) Mosher, Justin (Becky) Patterson, Joshua (Bethany) Patterson, Deanna (Austin J) Lanier, Krysti (Dustin) Phillips, Dustin (Maisie) Patterson, Coby Patterson, Ashley (Sam) Oleson, Carson Dove, Quinn (Isaiah) Avendano, Rowan Dove, Mariah Dove; Great-grandchildren Ella and Madison Mosher; Emma, Thomas, Samuel and Annabelle Patterson; Ryan, Matthew, Zannie and Atley Lanier; Bristol, Brody, Charlotte and Travis Phillips; River and Beckham Avendano; and Ezri and Elliotte Dove; Sisters Verla (Rodney) Vogts and Connie (Ted) Fukudome; Sisters-in-Law Roberta Harms and Brenda Harms; Brother Orlin (Terrie) Harms.

Preceding her in death were her parents Waldo and Hilda Harms; Brothers Clayton (Virginia) Harms and Galen Harms.

Her body has been given to KU Medical Center for medical research so that others, too, may benefit from her life.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12:30 p.m., at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, 10218 SE 12th St, Whitewater, KS 67154.

Memorials may be given to MCC, 121 E. 30th, North Newton, KS 67117 or Water for Life (Haiti) Box 456, Kalona, IA 52247.