RUTH ELOISE PATTERSON
1921-2017
RUTH ELOISE PATTERSON left strength and grace in her wake, as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, teacher, and respected public figure. A woman of tremendous character, virtue and kindness, Ruth was one of nine, and the last living child of Eva Lois Bacon and Bethuel Perry Gould, born May 1, 1921 in Crivitz, WI. Beloved by many for her generosity of spirit, considerate thoughtfulness, incredible memory and warm hospitality, Ruth’s spirit will live on. She distinguished herself in her 72-year marriage to Raymond Albert Patterson, Jr. by setting a standard of consistency, and competency in all things familial, domestic and, socially, as the woman-behind-the-man in two radically different careers—Wayland Academy followed by the NBA’s Houston Rockets.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a BA, remained an active and involved member of AAUW through many decades. She served as a delegate to, both the Wisconsin and later the Texas, state Democratic Convention. She hosted bridge clubs, loved golfing and once made a hole in one! She had impeccable sense of style. She was a woman from a bygone era, who prioritized her family above herself. Having lived through the depression, she took excellent care of things, knew the proper behavior, protocol and decorum for any event, whether personal, professional, social or official. From being an excellent cook and matriarch to bookkeeper and hostess, Ruth never forgot a name, birthday, birth, anniversary, or the civility of thanking others by handwriting notes and letters. Also, she warmly rejoiced in the accomplishments of her children, friends and their families.
Together, Ruth and Ray built a distinguished legacy of accomplishment as headmaster and headmistress at Wayland Academy 1953-1970, simultaneously rearing their young family while guiding the students, with whom they had been entrusted, toward the development of excellence in character and academic achievement. During their residency/steerage, Wayland grew to be regarded as one of the pre-eminent boarding schools in the country—having been named in the top 50 just last year. She was given an Honorary Graduate degree, in 2010 for her dedication to Wayland and its students, when Ray was being bestowed the title of President Emeritus and Honorary Trustee.
In a way unique for the era, they radically redefined their lives and goals by transplanting the family to Houston, Texas in 1971 when Ray was hired to manage the Houston Rockets franchise. Ruth enjoyed making a comfortable home for the family in Sugar Land, TX and traveled to England, Italy, France, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Hawaii, Japan, Canada, and all over the U.S. Ruth loved to entertain, she and Ray hosted holidays and visits from her many siblings, relatives, their friends and colleagues over the years. All who entered their home enjoyed the exchange of ideas, lively debate as well as good food, drink, and laughter.
Ruth’s never-ending curiosity for history, music, art, architecture, food and culture is shared by the entire family. She was widely known for her green thumb, sewing ability and beautifully handwritten notes and letters. She profoundly touched the lives of her husband, children, their spouses and grandchildren, but, so too the many extended family members, friends, acquaintances all of whom will miss, but never forget, her.
Her loved ones, including five children: Raymond Albert (Pat) Patterson, III, Stephen Walker Patterson, Elizabeth Ahyin Graham, Margaret (Peg) Walker Patterson Barnes and Peter Thomas Patterson stood vigil in the days leading up to her peaceful last breath, at 11:35 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2017, the Ides of March. She was the proud, and loving grandmother of nine beautiful grandchildren: Xavier Ryan Heydt, Austin Patterson, Dylan Patterson, Leila Patterson, Griffin Barnes, Peyton Barnes, Hudson Barnes, Ryland Patterson and Myles Patterson.
She was laid to rest, beneath the bottle brush trees, beside the lazy bayou as the birds sang on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The family is planning a memorial for a later date to be held in Houston, Texas. Instead of flowers, the family encourages a donation to Wayland Academy, 101 North University Avenue Beaver Dam, WI 53916 in care of Ruth Patterson.