Jean Patton

Jean Patton, 92 of Fairbury, passed away February 5, 2020 at Heritage Care Center in Fairbury.  She was born November 17, 1927 to Theodore Jesse & Nellie Marie (Drake) Maple in Fairbury.

She was married during her senior year of high school on February 8, 1946 to Edward Patton.  Theirs was a whirlwind romance after meeting New Year’s Eve the month before.

To this union 3 children were born, Mary Lou, Dennis and Roger.

She and Ed owned and operated the Blue Bird Café for 12 years.  During this time, they also owned the Fairbury Roller Skating Rink, a taxi service, a freight line service and several race horses.  She then worked at Hesteds, Swingsters & Endicott Brickyard. During her retirement years, she loved working at the Berkley Fitness Center.

Her hobbies included camping, fishing, quilting, embroidering & traveling.  She also enjoyed morning coffees, bingo and cards with friends as well as lunches at the senior center.  She had a passion for reading and later enjoyed audio books.

Jean’s faith in God was an important part of her life.  She was an active member of her church and enjoyed filling in for the ministers in their absence.  It meant a lot to her to share her faith through bible study at the nursing homes.

Preceding her death were her husband, Ed, son Dennis her parents and a brother and sister.

Survivors are daughter Mary Lou (Harold) Schwartz of Hanover, KS, son Roger (Patty) Patton & daughter-in-law Susie Patton of Fairbury,  sister Beverly Arterburn, Walla Walla WA, brother Ormal “Jeff” (Peggy) Maple of Milford, NE,  sister Joyce Minge of Fairbury,  9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Fairbury.  Public viewing will begin Friday morning at 11:00. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:00 – 7:00.  Memorials will go to Heritage Care Center or the Burkley Fitness Center.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com