Betty Margaret Patterson, age 102, passed peacefully into her Heavenly Home on October 31, 2025, at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Paola, KS. She was born August 1, 1923, in Moorefield, Arkansas, as the last and 14th child of Mary Rena Finley Duncan and Jacob Monroe Duncan. She was an active member of the Asbury Methodist Church in Batesville, Arkansas.
Betty graduated from Sulphur Rock High School, where she played basketball and was “all-county guard”. On July 10, 1943, she married Neal Patterson and lived in Batesville for 79 years. Neal passed away in 1995, and 6 years later, Betty moved to Olathe, Kansas, to be near family.
After graduating from cosmetology school, she worked at Powder Puff and Dottie Bone’s Beauty Shops in Batesville and at Oshea Phillips Beauty Shop in Cave City, where she volunteered to do hair services for residents in local nursing homes. Her avid interest in reading led her to partner in opening a used bookstore, the Bookworm, in Batesville. Favorite hobbies were fishing, square dancing, reading, piano, puzzles, and watching the Razorbacks and Chiefs’ football. She told wonderful stories of how things were in the 1920s to 1950s. She had a great love for children and a warm and friendly personality. Her gift of humor brought joy and laughter, and endeared her to many.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, 13 siblings, husband, Neal Patterson; son, Charles Patterson; grandson, Charles Neal Patterson; and one great-grandson. She is survived by her daughter, Diana (Chet) Toole of Kansas; grandsons, Charles (Sue) Patterson, Jr. of Tennessee; and Chris (Erin) Toole of Kansas; granddaughter, Tracy (Vic) Farver of Texas; seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, five nieces and one nephew. Betty will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A Memorial Service to be announced in the Spring of 2026 will be held in Batesville, Arkansas.
