Vala Leota Patty

Leota Patty, 85, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.

Vala Leota Taylor was born on March 1, 1940; she was the daughter of Virgil and Vala (Gallaher) Taylor.

Leota graduated from Burnettsville High School in 1958. She married Leland Patty, the love of her life, on November 9, 1958. She is survived by her three daughters, Deborah (Al) French of Florida, Teresa Patty of Arizona, and Lelanea (Chris) Franklin of Royal Center; two grandsons, Jake (great grandchildren Makenna, Haizley, Bryden, and Colsynn), and Casey (Hannah) (great grandchildren Aleigha and Kyler) – all of Logansport. Leota was previously a member of Center Presbyterian Church, Royal Center, where she served as Elder and with the Women’s Missionary Aide group. They moved to Florida in 1986 and she worked as a cashier at Publix in Lakeland, Florida for over 20 years. Our dad always said “she stood at least 2 inches taller when she put on her Publix uniform.” She was a proud employee of Publix and she treated her customers like family.

After dad’s passing, Debby and Al lovingly opened their home to mom and she lived with them for just over six years. We moved her back to Indiana to Miller’s Merry Manor in June of 2022. We can’t thank the staff (and residents) enough for the outpouring of love that they showered on our mom. Even though she was non-verbal, the residents loved on her and often commented about her sweet smile. The staff at Miller’s were amazing as they cared for our mom by showing her dignity, care and compassion, and most of all love. We could tell by mom’s smile and relaxed demeanor that she loved them and that she was comfortable in their care…and for that we are forever grateful!

Leota was preceded in death by her husband Leland on 12/14/2015; brother Virgil Taylor, sister Vera Taylor, brothers-in-law and sisters-in law Clyde and Mabel Patty, Burdette and Duana Patty, Bob and Joan Gray, and Jim Patty. She is also survived by her sister Kay (Dale) Magee, sister-in-law Cathy Taylor, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dean and Louise Patty, and Bob and Justine Crume, Aunt Dee (Taylor) Pattison, as well as several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Galatians 5:22 “but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Our mother embodied these qualities because she lived out her faith in her words and actions…to know our mom, Leota, was to know love.

A Memorial Service is being planned for this coming May…when the weather is kinder and gentler, just like our sweet mama!

Memorial contributions may be made to Center Presbyterian Church, 8157 W. County Rd 250 N. Royal Center, IN.

Vala’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the Patty family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been Entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel.