Delphine H. Patterson

Delphine H. Patterson, 86, of Midland, formerly of Bay City, died Monday morning, Jan. 17, 2011, at the Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Midland, surrounded by her family.

She was born May 9, 1924, in Almont, daughter of the late Lee and Pearl (Wier) Baxter. Delphine lived in Bay City for 30 years before moving to Florida and then relocating back to Midland. While living in Bay City she was a member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon. She was also active in the Bay City PTA and served as its president for several years. Before cable, Delphine was responsible for TV rentals at various hospitals in the Michigan area including Bay City Mercy Hospital. While in Florida she received her teaching degree, worked as a substitute teacher, and later worked as an Estee-Lauder representative in Michigan and later in Florida. Delphine loved children and she was an excellent cook, who was known especially for her baked fruit pies.

Surviving are her son and daughter and their spouses, Cheryl and Tom Clark of Sanford, and Richard L. and Kathleen Patterson of Tullahoma, Tenn.; four grandchildren and their spouses, Jason Cook and his wife Dr. Edith Clark of Midland, Laura and Jacob Looch of Manchester, Tenn.; James and Tammie Patterson of Tullahoma, Tenn.; and Chandra and Brad Bromley of Saginaw, eight great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Emily and Aaron Clark, Ryan and Rachel Patterson, Meghann and Justus Looch and Zachary Bromley; and her good friend, Sister Mary Maurita Sengelaub RSM. In addition to her parents, Delphine was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters, Carl, Roy, and Albert Baxter, and Dawn Meier, Florence Alsbrook, and Ivy Walker.

In accordance with Delphine's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate her life will take place later in the spring at a location to be announced in a later edition of the Midland Daily News and WNEM TV5. Delphine's family would like to thank the staff at Tendercare in Midland for their love and caring for the past nine years.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland.