Ruth Anna (Magni) Patterson, 76

May 25, 2015

With the passing of Ruth Anna (Magni) Patterson,76, on May 25, 2015, heaven welcomed a special angel. Born in Lebanon, PA, she was the daughter of the late Anna (Scheiber) Magni. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be missed beyond words. Ruth fought the hell that is cancer until the very end. It may have broken her body, but never her spirit and never her heart and soul.

Ruth was married to her soul mate James J. Patterson for over 59 years, and is survived by him, their two daughters Lydia, wife of Steve Cochran, Lancaster, PA; their children Kyle Cochran, Philadelphia, PA and Kelli Cochran, San Francisco, CA; and Cindi, wife of Rick Robinson, New Holland, PA, and their daughter Bree Hurst, wife of Rob Hurst, Lancaster, PA. She is also survived by two sisters, Betty McClure and Helen Magni, and one brother Frank Magni. And also by their beloved cat…um “princess”, Bella, who played a critical and comforting role for both Ruth and Jim throughout the five + years the battle was relentlessly waged.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the Hershey Cancer Center, including Dr. Nelson Yee, the infusion “angels”, and HCC staff for their compassionate care of Ruth, in addition to those at Hospice and Community Care. God bless each one!

Ruth last worked for over 30 years and retired from the former Farmer’s First Bank, where she was a customer account representative. It was not unusual for her to call her elderly customers that did not have family close by, just to check in. She was always making certain those around her were well-cared for.

Ruth was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Leola. Later in her life, her heart and devotion was to the formerly-named Corner of Hope, a clothing bank created by the Church, where she lovingly restored damaged clothing to “like new”, giving those less fortunate than herself a chance to select clothing they would be unable to purchase otherwise, lifting spirits and offering hope.

Ruth can be best known and remembered as a giver. Towards the end of her courageous battle, her most difficult task was to accept the many wonderful gifts of help from her family and her many friends; she had been so used to giving of herself to others all of her life. She remained thankful and felt so blessed for her family and friends to the very end, and from where she drew much of her strength. Her legacy is one of compassion and caring and will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Sunday, June 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Rd., Leola,PA. Visitation begins at 2 PM with her service at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, c/o The Helping Hand Fund, 18 Quarry Road, Leola 17540.