Elizabeth Betty Patten, 89, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 28, 2025, in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with a Rosary to be held at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Antony Paulose. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on August 25, 1936, she was the daughter of David Lester and Elizabeth Strucel Lester. Betty dedicated her life to her family, her friends, and to the causes she held dear. A Master Gardener, Betty found immense joy in cultivating her garden, where she not only nurtured the plants but also fostered a sense of tranquility and beauty for those around her. Her passion for gardening extended beyond her own home, as she actively participated in the cleanup efforts for the town of Orange, contributing her time and energy to make the community a better and more beautiful place. As a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Betty lived her faith every day, spreading warmth and kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her devotion to her church and its community was a testament to her compassionate spirit. Betty was a loving mother and grandmother whose legacy of love will forever echo in the hearts of her family. She placed great importance on education, continuing her journey of learning at Lamar University, where she pursued knowledge with the same passion she applied to all her endeavors. An avid reader, she cherished the stories captured in books, finding joy in the worlds they opened to her. Betty Patten's life was one of service, love, and dedication. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and will be remembered not only for her nurturing spirit but also for the positive impact she made on her community.
She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Elizabeth Lester; her loving husband, Emery “Jack” Golden Patten; her children, Robert David Patten, William Neil Patten, Gary Matthew Patten, and Katherine Elizabeth Patten LaChance; and her grandchildren, Sarah Nichole Patten, and Jack Penn Patten.
She is survived by her children, John C. Patten and wife, Pamela, Charles B. Patten and wife, Shirley, Dona Cowart, and Carl S. Patten; her brother, Tommy Lester and wife, Sherry; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Joshua Patten, Glenn Patten, Robert Cowart, William Cowart, Alex White, and Robert Patten.