Mary Evelyn Patterson, age 84 of Elwood, died April 12, 2011 at her residence after a brief illness. She was born February 13, 1927 in Elwood, the daughter of Guy and Mildred (Hutcherson) Gunning. She was a 1945 graduate of Windfall High School. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #66 since 1945. She married Maurice D. "Pat" Patterson on April 6, 1946. She was the owner of Patterson Family Farms since 1946. She was a devoted member of the Point Isabel United Methodist Church since 1963 and was Treasurer of the United Methodist Women since 1999. She began her love of real estate at Lewis Harper Real Estate Agency in Elwood. She then began her own business as a Licensed Real Estate Agent / Broker / Owner of "Mary Patterson Real Estate" in 1970. She was Secretary of the John H. Hinds Area Career Center Building Trades Advisory Council since 1978. Mary was an active member of American Business Women's Association, Charter Jet Chapter #2263 in Elwood since 1998 where she was past Secretary, Publicity Chair, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Chair, and was an integral part of fundraising for ABWA. She was a member of the Hoosier Heartland ABWA Area Council. She sponsored 11 new members in ABWA over the past 13 years. She was the Charter Jet Chapter Woman of the Year in 2004 and 2008. Mary was also a member and past Vice-President of Elwood Pipecreek Geneology, a member of Elwood Elks Lodge #368, Alexandria Eagles #1771, and the Central Indiana Fiero Car Club. Mary gave generously to the Elwood community, and she loved to cook, bake, and work in her yard.

Survivors include: Daughter – Lisa Dawn Patterson and companion David Miller both of Kokomo; Sister – Bonnie Keller of Yorktown; 2 Brothers – Richard (Dean) Gunning of Elwood, and Robert (Ann) Gunning of Fairmount; Niece – Lori (Jeffrey) Wood; 8 Nephews – Kevin (Cynthia) Keller, Jeffery (Kimberly) Keller, Douglas Keller, David (Angela) Gunning, Mark (Lisa) Gunning, Scott (Eireen) Gunning, Captain Rodney Gunning, and Roger (Julie) Gunning; 18 Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews – Derek (Brittane') Gunning, Wesley Gunning, Abbey Gunning, Luke Gunning, Marissa Gunning, Michaela Gunning, Logan Gunning, Drake Gunning, Christopher Osborne, Alexandra Gunning, Zachary Gunning, Adam (Jaime) Faulkner, Michelle Faulkner, Katherine Keller, Cory Keller, Alex Keller, Kyle Keller, and Mary Wood; and one Great Great-Niece – Madyson Gunning.

She was preceded in death by: Parents who died in 1986 and 1987; Husband – Maurice D. "Pat" Patterson who died April 15, 1991; Infant Sister – Donna Gunning who died in 1923; and Companion – Howard N. Myerly in 2004.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Point Isabel United Methodist Church located at the intersection of State Roads 13 and 26 north of Elwood with Rev. Pete Blue officiating. Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Friday, April 15, 2011 and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the Point Isabel United Methodist Church. There will be an Elks Lodge Memorial Service at 7:00 PM Friday evening followed by an ABWA Memorial Service and an Order of Eastern Star Memorial Service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.