Ollie B. Patterson passed away on Feb. 2, 2024, in Ozark at the age of 91. She was born on Feb. 1, 1933, in Stilwell, Okla., to Henry Lee and Donna (Watkins) Green.

Ollie lived a remarkable life and touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, from her beloved family to her cherished friends. Above all else, Ollie’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ permeated every aspect of her existence; she was a true prayer warrior who loved the Lord with every fiber of her being. From a young age, she embraced Christianity and was baptized. Ollie dedicated herself to the First Baptist Church of Ozark, where her commitment to her faith flourished.

The center of Ollie’s universe were her beloved grandchildren. Each day, she made it a priority to be present in their lives as they grew up. She delighted in cooking for them, reading stories aloud, but most importantly, offering prayers for them and uplifting them with heartfelt supplication. Wednesdays were reserved for hosting memorable family meals while nurturing their creativity and helping with school assignments.

Education played a pivotal role in Ollie’s journey towards making a difference in the world. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from Missouri Southern State University and later achieved a masters degree from Pittsburg State University. In 1974, Ollie embarked on an illustrious teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Eugene Field Elementary School in Webb City. She was later the princpal at Franklin School and Webster Primary Center before retiring in 1999 as principal of Eugene Field.

Ollie is survived by her sons, Steve Patterson and wife Diann, of Miami, Okla., Dr. Kevin Patterson and wife Sarah, Ozark, and David Patterson and wife Angela, Ozark, ten adoring grandchildren, Micah Patterson and wife Robin, Jessica Rimmer and husband Terry, Leah Rush and husband Scott, Sarah Campbell and husband Ryan, Kaleb Patterson, Keaton Patterson and wife Andrea, Kramer Patterson and wife Beth, Trenton Patterson and wife Ashley, Alyssa Crouse and husband Kerik, and Teagon Patterson; great-grandchildren Luke Patterson, Jillian Patterson, Myles Rimmer, Maris Rimmer, Margot Rimmer; Oliver Rush, Swayden Rush, Bowen Rush, Keller Rush; Edith Campbell, Ellis Campbell, Olive “Ollie” Campbell, Caleb Campbell; Kolby Patterson; Joanna Patterson; McKinley Patterson,Zaylee Patterson,Lakelyn Patterson; Kamber Crouse, and Tatum Crouse; and a sister, Leta O’Neal, of Carthage.

Ollie was preceded in death by her husband, Joe. She also mourned the loss of her daughter, Linda Patterson; a great-grandson, Koa Crouse; her brother, Elwin Green, and sister, Pauline Green.

A funeral service to commemorate Ollie’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Adams Funeral Home in Ozark. The Rev. Steve Patterson will lead the service. Ollie will then be laid to rest in Weaver Cemetery at Ozark.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ozark Building Fund or the Nixa Sheltered Workshop.