Obituary: Ladd, Laurel Joy (Patterson)
Age 70
She was the firstborn daughter of Phillip and Shirley Patterson, born on August 19, 1945 in Spokane.
Raised on the West Plains, Laurel grew up in a close-knit family with her nearby aunts and cousins, Dixie, Melodye, Jerri and her brother, Jimmy.
Laurel graduated from Cheney High School in 1963, and a year later, Kinman Business University.
Prior to moving to California in 1965, a handsome sailor had seen her graduation picture, and instantly fell in love.
Bob and Laurel met in person soon afterwards, and found that they shared a mutual appreciation for the movie Mary Poppins, which they saw together - twice.
They were married within six months, on September 4, 1965 in Alameda, California.
They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a trip to Ireland and the British Isles.
Laurel spent most of her working life in the banking industry, retiring in 2009 from Washington Trust Bank.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Shirley and step-mom, Fran Patterson.
She is survived by her inseparable best friend and life-long love, Bob and three children, Bob (Jen) Ladd, Jenny (Chris) Dutton and Tracy Matlock, all of Spokane.
She was instrumental in the lives of her eight grandchildren, Christopher, Emily, Corian, Megan, Jason, Kaitlyn, Natalie and Allison.
She leaves behind three siblings, Jim (Betty) Patterson, Ron (Audra) Patterson and Sheri Lisson, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and step-siblings.
Laurel was the quiet, steadfast force in the lives of those around her.
She helped raise her younger siblings after their mother died, and took in grandkids when needed.
An introvert, she found it difficult to meet new people, but once a friendship was established, she was a life-long friend.
Laurel’s sewing talents were endless, and she was generous with sharing her quilts, wedding dresses, and other creations with those in her life.
She enjoyed camping and travelling with her husband (they visited all 50 states and 12 foreign countries), always making it a point to visit friends and family along the way.
An avid reader, Laurel also enjoyed planting and harvesting her garden, leaving the weeding to her husband.
She never met a flower she didn’t like, and never met a bird that she did (hummingbirds excepted).
She will be missed by her good friends at TOPS, the Greenacres Good Sam Club and the Spokane Valley Senior Center.
She was always willing to donate her time, and recently helped with the “Ladies Night Out” fundraiser for Spokane Valley Partners.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11am, November 21, 2015 at Opportunity Christian Church, 708 N. Pines.
A potluck lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spokane Valley Partners or the Salvation Army.