Catherine Gaynelle Patton

Catherine "Katie" Gaynelle Patton, 91, of Springfield, formerly of Southern Illinois, peacefully left her earthly remains, on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Memorial Hospice at Heritage. Katie was born on September 19, 1926 in Delwood, Pope Co. Illinois, the daughter of James Dent and Sylvia (Morse). She married Earl Dean Patton on Christmas day, 1948 in Carbondale, Illinois. Earl Dean preceded her in death on September 28, 2014, just short of his 92nd birthday and what would have been their 66th anniversary. Katie attended school in Pope Co. and Cobden, Illinois prior to receiving her B.A. at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Catherine met the love of her life At SIU after Earl Dean returned from the Great War. Upon Katie's graduation and Earl receiving his M.A., the newlyweds taught school in Shawneetown and later in Virginia, Illinois. After Earl accepted an administrative position with the Kankakee public school system, they decided to start a family, and until her last day, Katie remained unwaveringly devoted to her sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Earl continued his career path as school superintendent, which took the Patton family to Urbana, Il, Culver City, California and finally Springfield, Il. During this time, Katie happily ran the household and took care of her sons and husband. Catherine was an excellent homemaker and mother. After sending her sons off to college, Katie attained her broker's license and became a very successful realtor in Springfield, Il. After Earl retired, the couple moved outside of Eldorado, Il on the old Patton family farm, where they presided over family "get togethers," and provided guidance and support to the entire clan. Katie continued to be active gardening, sewing, and ultimately becoming sole caregiver for her beloved husband in his last few years. Katie was the kindest, most gentle women you could imagine- she always placed others needs and wants above her own and never uttered a cross word. Her love for her family was unwavering and foremost in all her decisions and actions. Catherine finally surrendered to the cumulative effects of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but up until her very last days and even with severely impaired speech- she always managed to say "I love you". We all loved her. In addition to her husband and parents, Catherine was preceded in death by sister's Helen Austin, Betty Jo Lamar, and brother Blair. Catherine is survived by sons Kevin(Nancy) Patton & Brian (Kim) Patton; brother Austin (Peggy) Dent; grandchildren, William (Melanie) Patton, Ryan (Delaney) Patton & Catherine (Daryl Fulmer), great grandchildren, Abigail, Hannah and Jackson, nephews Mark Austin (Christine), Vince Lamar and Jake Dent, nieces Debbie Jo Crain (Stephen), Rebecca Taylor (Norman), and Laura Clark along with many great nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all those at Wyndcrest Assisted Living, Reflections Memory Care, Between You and I ( Suzie and Teena) and Memorial Hospice at Heritage that took such good care of Mom. Funeral services for Mrs. Catherine "Katie" G. Patton will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden with Rev. Ed Falgout officiating. Interment will be in the Cobden Cemetery. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation Service Wednesday, January 3, 2018,11:00AM-12:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home 214 North Front Street Cobden, Illinois 62920 Memorial/Funeral Service Wednesday, January 3, 2018,12:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home 214 North Front Street Cobden, Illinois 62920 Cemetery Service Wednesday, January 3, 2018,12:45PM Cobden Cemetery Cobden School Road Cobden, Illinois 62920