Rosa Lee Patterson

Rosa Lee "Rosie" Patterson, age 91, of St. Johns, died peacefully on February 4, 2026.

Rosie was born on March 15, 1934, in Maple Rapids, Michigan, the seventh of nine children born to Bernie and Edna (Bennett) Feighner. Raised in a large, close-knit family, she learned early the values that shaped her life. From her mother, she learned to garden and can, cook and bake, and crochet-skills she lovingly carried throughout her years.

At age sixteen, Rosie met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Wesley Patterson, at a basketball game. She later moved to San Francisco, California, to help care for her brother's children, where Bob drove cross-country to see her. They were married on March 16, 1952, in San Francisco, and soon after drove back to Michigan for their honeymoon, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, teamwork and adventure.

In 1955, Bob and Rosie founded Bob's Auto Body in St. Johns. Rosie was the heart of the business, managing the office, books, and phones while raising their family. The shop has remained a family business - in 1993, their children took over, and later passed to their granddaughter in 2020.

Rosie was a ray of sunshine-always joyful, positive, and encouraging. She was her children's biggest supporter, faithfully attending sporting events and races, always cheering from the front row. Auto racing was a family affair, and Rosie was deeply involved, cooking for the crew, recording races, selling merchandise, and crocheting for her loved ones. A gifted homemaker, Rosie was known for her afghans, mittens, scarves, and hats, as well as her exceptional cooking and baking-Bob would eat nowhere but "Rosie's kitchen." She also made and collected bears, especially enjoying bear hunting and acquiring bears from all over the world-even as far as England-with her sister-in-law, Leone. She cherished family gatherings, especially Christmas, and loved puzzles, cards, and being surrounded by people. Her smile-bright, genuine, and full of kindness-will be remembered always.

Rosie is survived by her son, Kris (Cathy) Patterson, and daughter, Linda Patterson; seven grandchildren: Bryan (Morgan) Patterson, Jamie (Matt) Martin, Wesley (Jessica) Patterson, Elissa Patterson, Ashley (Drew) Vitek, Samantha (Jesse) VanEtten, and Kris Patterson Jr. (Marissa); and her beloved great-grandchildren: Bobby, Georgia Grace, Kimy, Miles, Zoey, Cademon, Emerson, Logan, Annabelle, Maci, Max, Hudson, Annabelle, Peyton, and Knox; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 72 years, Robert "Bob" Patterson, in February 2024; her son, Kim Patterson, in 2008; her parents; and all eight of her siblings: Max, Bobby, Dale, Carl, and Jimmy Feighner, Bonna Rae Henning, Mary Lou Murgitroyd and Wanda Hambleton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1-4 PM at McGeehan Funeral Home, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, 11 AM, at McGeehan Funeral Home, St. Johns. Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Burial Mt. Rest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Lowe Global Methodist Church.

For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.