Alice Ruth Wilson McArtor Patterson, age 101 years and 255 days, of Keota, Iowa, was born on July 1, 1924, in Washington, Iowa, to Hubert Leroy and Minetta (Tracy) Wilson. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on March 13, 2026.
Alice was a devoted mother to eleven children and two stepsons, and a beloved grandmother to 56 grandchildren, 116 great-grandchildren, 77 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. A stay-at-home mom who completed the eighth grade, she poured her love into her family through her exceptional cooking and baking. Her famous popcorn balls, homemade sugar cookies, Christmas candy trays, and special holiday cakes created cherished memories across generations. She taught her children and others the art of canning, made handmade Christmas ornaments that still adorn family trees, and faithfully sent birthday, get-well, anniversary, and thank-you cards to brighten the lives of those around her.
Beyond her home, Alice was active in her community as a member of the Moose Lodge, the Ladies VFW Auxiliary of Keota, and a Girl Scout leader. She owned Alice’s Craft Hobbies, worked as a Watkins dealer at craft shows, took in laundry and ironing for others, and cleaned the local funeral home for several years. Her warmth and kindness extended to many in Keota, including the families of Bruce and Lorraine Hardt and Kathy Ewald.
Alice was married to Walter Everett McArtor on July 31, 1940, with whom she had four sons: Walter, Donald, Hubert, and David. After their divorce, she married Homer Edward (Pat) Patterson on May 25, 1947, in Kahoka, Missouri, and together they had seven children: Sandra, William, John, Dennis, Susan, Linda, and Mary. She is survived by her children, stepson, brother, sister-in-law, and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, two sisters, both husbands, three children, one stepson, several in-laws, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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