Phyllis J. Patton

Phyllis Joan (Yates) Patton was born on July 7, 1928 in Tulsa, Okla. and died on April 3, 2019 at age 90. Born to Myrtle Ione Yates (Mimi) and Delmar Grant Yates, she had a beloved sister and best friend, Ora Jean Gallien Wood Shaubell, and a brother, Paul Gallien Jr., both of whom preceded her in death. Phyllis always said that she and Stan Patton were childhood sweethearts, but the truth was that when she met Stan at age 7, she did not like him! Stan's family moved away for about 6 years, and when Stan and Phyllis met again, she realized that she really DID like him; "he was the love of my life". She was 13 years old and he was 14. During Stan's navy service in WWII, they were again separated. Phyllis graduated from Tulsa Central High and was quickly offered a job by Standard Pipeline where "most of my friends were making $89 per month, and they offered me $159! Wow!". She attended night school at Tulsa University. Her job as an executive secretary at Standard Pipeline lasted 14 years. Phyllis and Stan finally married on June 24, 1955 at Hagler Methodist Church in Tulsa. They spent the first few years in Tulsa, where Phyllis' mother, Mimi, lived with the couple from the time of their marriage until Mimi's remarriage to George Cooper in 1977. Their first child, Patrice Patton Budd, was born in Tulsa. Patrice and family (husband Rick Budd; daughter Kaitlin and son-in-law Clifton Olle, and their children Mitchell and Alaina Olle) all live in Taylor, TX. Stan's work took the family to Wichita, KS in 1961 where Stan was the manager for the Wichita Plaza Building, which was at that time the tallest building in the state of Kansas. Phyllis volunteered in church, community, and school activities and made many good friends as her family grew, adding 3 more children during the Wichita years. Thomas Edward Patton and family (wife Lori Patton; sons Josiah, Thomas III, and Jude Patton) live in Valencia, CA. Jonathan "Grant" Patton and family (wife Betsy Patton; daughter Hallie Ann Patton, and son Samuel Patton) live in Stilwell, Ks. Stana Patton Powell and family (husband Chris Powell; daughters Cailey, Carolyn and Claire Dougherty, and son Benjamin Dougherty; and Chris' sons Alex and Ellis Powell) live in Tulsa. Stan's business with Frates Properties changed in 1970, and he traveled weekly. This was hard on the family being without Dad, and hard on Stan, so the family moved back to Tulsa. They joined Christ United Methodist Church, which quickly became an important part of the rest of their lives. Strong friendships and relationships were formed; so many people loved Phyllis and Stan and were loved in return. They participated in many activities with Sunday school, particularly with the Lifter's Class. As the children left home, Phyllis began working outside of the home again. She worked for Prudential for 9 years. After Stan died in 1998, Larry Mocha lured her to Air Power Systems Company (APSCO) as a receptionist for nearly 10 years, leaving only when a second broken hip slowed her down at age 81. Larry and Sandy Mocha were so much more than employers to Mom; they were Mom's friends, and made her a part of their family, including her in meals, family events, operas, and other cultural events. The Mochas held a very special place in her life, and in our hearts. Phyllis continued attending and working at the church, particularly with the Stan P. Patton Memorial Youth Center at Christ United Methodist Church. Phyllis loved art, flowers, animals (cats particularly), reading, and her family. Phyllis was a true Will Rogers; she never met a stranger. She was a wonderful mother with a fabulous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was a good, involved, and caring grandmother and great-grandmother, even across the miles. She knew the kid's friends, their joys and sorrows, and gave solid, loving advice. Phyllis is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, her 12 grandchildren, and her 2 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Billie Patton and Virginia Woods, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as by her many caring friends who brought her so much joy. We are so grateful to you all who were Mom's loving "mates" and who made her life easier and more fun in so many ways. Cathey Wood Rainbolt has always been such an incredible part of Mom's life, giving unstintingly of her time, energy, and love to Aunt Dee-Dee. Thank you more than we can ever say. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts could be made to the Stan P. Patton Memorial Youth Center at Christ United Methodist Church (3615 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK, 74135 918-747-8601); or to St. Paul's Methodist Church's Manna Meals "Feeding the Homeless" project, 405-314-4000. Funeral services will be held at CUMC on Friday April 12, at 1 pm. Private burial will precede service. All arrangements by Moore Southlawn Funeral Home. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Phyllis J. Patton

July 7, 1928 - April 3, 2019