Karen Kay (Stucky) Patterson, 76, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ and loved ones who welcomed her on January 16, 2025. She was born September 1, 1948 in Newton, Kansas to Roy and Marie (Claassen) Stucky, graduated from Berean Academy High School and attended Calvary Bible College.
On March 15, 1968, she married her soulmate and lifelong partner Roy Dale Patterson in Wichita, Kansas. Karen worked as a secretary at Tony’s Pizza Service (Schwan’s) for 27 years and retired September 5, 2014 with a number of co-workers who became lifelong friends. Prior to this career, she worked at the Salina Municipal Airport as both a waitress at the coffee shop and grill, and as an aircraft marshaller guiding planes to their gate after landing. She also taught water and land aerobics for many years, motivating those who attended her classes with her friendly personality and energetic spirit.
Karen was a long-time member of First Covenant Church, Salina, where she and Roy taught children’s Sunday school classes and Karen sang in the choir up until her health began to decline. She loved being a part of this church family and ministry as it always gave her great joy and gratitude.
Her most treasured past time was being with family and a nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She looked forward to going to games and other activities to cheer them on (very loudly) and loved cooking their favorite recipes, which will be passed down and carried on for generations to come. She and Roy also enjoyed vacationing in the Colorado Mountains, their “happy place,” and the home of Karen’s beloved Denver Broncos football team. Other hobbies were collecting Christmas village sets, going to craft shows, quilt shops and quilting blankets for family and friends.
Karen was a faithful servant of Christ who spent her life leading by example. She was a devoted wife, mom, nana and friend to all, and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her husband Roy (Pat) Patterson of Salina; siblings Marlis Ortman (Dennis) of Olathe, and Tim Stucky (Darla) of Newton; sister-in-laws Barbara Patterson of Overland Park, Kansas and Cheryl Jensen of Augusta, Kansas; children Darrin Patterson (Kim) of Salina and Denice Justus (Robert) of Salina; Grandchildren Kramer and Payton Patterson of Salina, Barkley Edison (Brette) of St. Louis, Missouri, Lexie Edison (Ian) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Addie Justus (Tyler) of Denver, Colorado, Sophie Justus of Dallas, Texas, Alexandrea Prucka (Chris) of Omaha, Nebraska, Trevor Cline (Kaleigh) of York, Nebraska, and Michael Tracy (Sarah) of Salina and many great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Marie Stucky, and brother -in-law Bob Patterson.
Visitation and viewing of the casket will take place at Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel on Monday, January 27th from 5-7 pm. Funeral service will be held at First Covenant Church at 2625 E. Magnolia Rd. Salina, Kansas on Tuesday, January 28th at 10 am followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online Condolences may be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.