Pearl O. Patton

Pearl Odessa Clevenger Patton, 98, escaped her earthly bonds on March 20, 2022, having lived a life that touched the lives of many and saw a world change many times over.

Born at home near Bartlett, to Carl B. and Ethel (Kessler) Clevenger on January 5, 1924, Pearl was delivered by a doctor who arrived by horse and buggy in a snow storm.  She grew up in the Bartlett area, attending the one-room Star School.  As a young woman, she found herself in Bakersfield, California, for a time before returning to Chetopa, where she lived for many years.

Throughout Pearl's life, service and food were often intertwined.  As a young woman, she worked in restaurants, while also being a caregiver for her neighbors.  For years, she owned and operated the legendary Redwood Café in Chetopa.  Much of that time, she also ran the restaurants at the Coffeyville Stockyards and the Oswego VFW.  After retiring much too late in life, Pearl returned to service taking care of her parents during their final years.

Pearl made many lasting memories with her family.  Thanksgivings at Grandma Pearl's were often the highlight of the year for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The mornings would start with Pearl helping them rig ropes, sticks and whatever could be found for frailing pecan trees and always culminate with a dinner featuring her homemade noodles.  She is remembered by her family as a person who loved playing and joking, cooking for her family, working on puzzles, gathering pecans and listening to classic country music.

In 1966, Pearl and Ralph Patton were united in marriage.  Her new family included Ralph's two adult daughters, Linda McFerron and Sue Patton.

Survivors include: Two step-daughters – Linda McFerron of Nowata, Oklahoma and Sue Patton of Ruidoso, New Mexico; Four grandchildren; Several nieces, nephews and cousins; Numerous friendsShe was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; two sisters, Darlene Lotz and Helen LaFalier; and one brother, Clyde Clevenger.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date by the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.  Internment will be at Lake Creek Cemetery in Bartlett.

Memorials are suggested to the Chetopa Historical Museum.  These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS  67336.