Stayton – Alma, 86,
died Sunday in Stayton. She was born in Dufur, Oregon to Franklin
Patterson and Ida (Martin) Patterson. A multi-talented woman who
could and did do anything she set her mind to, including excelling
in a man’s world before anyone had heard of women’s lib. Alma
was Oregon’s first female journeyman optical technician,
receiving that honor in 1949. During WWII she was a member of the
Women’s Ambulance Corps and was always willing to take on a new
challenge, provided it wasn’t too easy. She genuinely enjoyed
work and held many positions after retiring from the optical
business. She took pleasure in learning new skills and held jobs
as diverse as fishing commercially for halibut in Alaska, managing
motels, raising cattle and even did a stint assisting the wardrobe
mistress for the Royal Lipizzan Stallion Show. She learned to fly
after the age of 60.
She was married to Mike
Lightner until his death in 1966 and later Bob Olson, who also
preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters Marilea
(Richard) Freeman and Connie (Lee) Erickson, granddaughter Pam
Leymaster, brother Hubert Patterson, 2 great grandchildren and
numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A member of St. Boniface
parish in Sublimity, OR. Rosary will be Tuesday, October 26 at
7:00 pm and Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, October 27 at
11:00 am both at St. Boniface. Burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery, The
Dalles, Oregon. Donations may be made to Mt. Angel Seminary.
Serving the family, North
Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
