Elaine Patton

Elaine Mae Patton, 80, of Topeka, passed away Friday, November 28, 2008, at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

She was born May 27, 1928, in Burdick, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin and Bertha Olson.

Elaine married John (Pat) Patton, Jr. on August 24, 1947. He preceded her in death on April 28, 1994. Her grandson, Zachary Patton, also preceded her in death.

Survivors include three daughters, Marsha (Bill) Ridinger, Eskridge; Karen Stryker, Topeka; Sherry (Mike) Meier, Tecumseh; and one son, Terry (Debbie) Patton, Topeka. She had 11 Grand Children, 14 Great Grand Children with another due in April. Her siblings, Norma (Ken) Green, Los Gatos, CA; Willard (Shirley) Olson, Manhattan, KS and Dennis (Diane) Olson, Elgin, OK.

Elaine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1957, Topeka. She was active as a Sunday school teacher, on the Church Council and President of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

Her passion was volunteering. It started with her kid's elementary school years with PTA and Cub Scout leaders. Some of the agencies close to her heart were: Dovetail (Founder/Manager 1994 - Current); Doorstep (Board Member 1972 - Current); Mother to Mother of Shawnee County; Volunteer Center of Topeka; Topeka Literacy Council; Luther Home Association (Board Member); Interfaith of Topeka (Board Member) and Crop Walk.

She received many awards for her service work including, United Way of Greater Topeka 2008 Volunteer of the Year - Lifetime Achievement Award; Mother to Mother Tender Touch Award in 2000 and Volunteer Center of Topeka Heart to Heart Recognition.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tues., Dec. 2 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Patton will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Mon. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Visitation will be between the hours of 6:00-8:00 p.m. that evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 731 SW Buchanan, Topeka, KS 66604 or Doorstep, 1119 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66604.