Idell Josephine Patterson

A strong, independent woman was born in Alton, Illinois on July 19, 1920, to a good Beardstown, Il father, Carlyle Garland Werscheid and a good, Carrollton, Il, mother, Geneva Walter, and was named Idell. She was born from good farm and cowboy stock. Her early youth was spent in Webster Groves and later in Maplewood. She attended school, with her sister Anita, in the Maplewood school district and graduated in 1938. She loved art, music, horseback riding and summers were spent on the family farm. During the war years, on a trip to Carrollton, they saw a sailor hitchhiking. Her father asked her "Want a sailor?" and she said "Yes", which led to an elopement and a one way ticket to Norfolk, Virginia. She might have been shot boarding a wartime ship, only to be saved by her husband Charles Murray Patterson. They traveled to many states and duty stations during his military career. Their union produced two children: Cathie LaMacchia nee Patterson and John Patterson; five grandchildren: Angela Moll nee LaMacchia, Amanda Patterson, Tony LaMacchia, Erin Patterson, and Patrick Patterson; and 3 great grandchildren: Chloe Patterson, Lucas Moll, and Lily Moll. A future one yet to be named is on the way, one that she fortunately was aware of. Idell was a mistress of all things: an artist, a musician, a homemaker, housepainter, and tree trimmer. "Who needs a ladder?!" She climbed the old maple tree to clean gutters and got stuck on the roof. Idell loved her Mustang cars and the need for speed, driving her daughter's Opal GT 100 miles per hour down the highway to New Melle. She attempted to start her son's 650 CC Yamaha street bike and if she had been successful would have rode it, too. She was mischievous and active all her life. Idell loved music, so the house was filled with music and her singing in the church. She was active teaching and playing piano for Sunday school and church. She protected our skies during the Cold War as an aircraft spotter for the Filter Center under the control of the U.S. Air Force. She was active all her life with activities involving her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even at 104 her mind was relatively clear. Bon Voyage, Idell- You will be missed!

Idell Josephine Patterson

July 19, 1920 - January 20, 2025