Violet Louise Patterson

Violet Louise (Vi, Violet Lou) Patterson returned home to her Heavenly Father on September 3, 2017 in the early hours at her home in Show Low, Arizona. She was 88 and still feisty. Vi was born in Globe, Arizona on February 1, 1929 to Violet Louise Upton (Paul) and Arthur Clarence Upton (Tubby), and was the middle girl between Evelyn (the oldest) and Pauline (the baby). Tubby moved his family from Globe to nearby Superior where the girls attended grade school. The family eventually settled in the Valley. Vi graduated from Mesa High in 1946 where she enjoyed twirling as the school majorette. Mom and her best friend, Ruthie went to U of A where they roomed together and met the “loves” of their lives. Violet married Charles Afton Patterson (Charlie or Pat) in August of 1947. Vi and Charlie returned to Mesa with their first child Charles and moved in to Tubby and Vi’s apartment over the garage so they could finish attending college at Arizona State College. After school the Air Force stationed them in Rome, New York where they had their second child Kenny. They returned to the Valley where their third son, Cary was born and Charlie began building homes and commercial properties while Vi was a rapidly rising star in the insurance industry. In 1961 they bought the bowling alley in Show Low and moved to Show Low where their fourth child, Cheryl was born and their adventures on the mountain began. Vi remained an avid bowler through the years and went to a National Championship in Vegas. Mom and Dad helped build the Masonic Lodge in Show Low. Vi was a Charter Member of Mizpah Chapter #57 of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as their Matron four times, and was Grand Officer three times. Vi was instrumental in bringing the Masonic youth groups of IORG (International Order of Rainbow for Girls) and Demolay to the White Mountains. Harmony Assembly #51 was started under her leadership as Mother Advisor and helping girls become young ladies was one of her passions. She loved socializing with her friends and family, whether a holiday weekend for family at their home or a group of crazed football fans outside her motorhome before ASU home games. Vi joined the Community Presbyterian Church in Pinetop and remained a devoted and important member of the church until she passed. Vi and Charlie started their own business, Apache Construction, in Whiteriver where they became lifelong friends with the Butlers who owned the lumber mill in Whiteriver. Violet also loved to travel, play cards, boat and in general just have a good time. She always said you can laugh or cry in life, it’s your choice. She chose to laugh. Violet was preceded in death by Charlie, Violet and A.C. Upton and Pauline. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn; her children, Charles, Kenny, Cary and Cheri, and step-children, Scott and Patrick; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; 3 nephews and a niece as well as a number of additional family members. A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the Owens Livingston Mortuary~White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street, Show Low. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the Community Presbyterian Church, 1940 S. Penrod Lane, Pinetop, Arizona. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 8, 2017 at the Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers Violet’s family would appreciate your support of the Eastern Star Scholarship program or St. Judes.