Ruth Ann (Hodge) Patton, 81, of Scottdale, passed away at 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at her residence. Ruth was born May 2, 1937, in Scottdale, a daughter of the late Kenneth W. and Eleanor (Rexroad) Hodge. She married Kenneth W. Patton Feb. 14, 1987. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a graduate of Scottdale High School, Class of 1955, the Zion Bible Institute (Northpoint), Class of 1958 with highest honors, studying liberal arts in theology. Ruth also graduated from California State University in 1968, studying English and creative dramatics K-6, and in 1971 received her master's degree in elementary counseling from Indiana University . She also studied computer science, English and history at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University . Through the years, she was employed at the Free Gospel Bible Institute, Export, as a cook, English teacher and dean of women; performed payroll and insurance duties at Bryce Brothers, Mt. Pleasant from 1960-65; taught first grade with Southmoreland School District; and was a certified program specialist teacher K-6 at Mt. Lebanon School District. She was listed five different times in the Who's Who publication, assisted writing and implementing PA State Program's "Pupils Services Program", was the first elementary counselor in Westmoreland County and taught herself to play the piano in second grade. A lifelong member of the First Assembly of God Church in Scottdale, Ruth served as the church pianist, librarian and Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed reading, needlework, gardening, pulling weeds and spending time with her family. She had the honor of being crowned the first Glass Festival Queen of Mt. Pleasant in 1963! "God doesn't look you over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars" - Ruth Patton. Ruth will be sadly missed by her loving family; her husband of 31 years, Kenneth W. Patton; her nine children, Kenneth W. Patton Jr. (Jeanine), Angela M. (Patton) Smouse (George), Michael P. Patton (Betty), Joseph D. Patton (Sandy), Billie J. (Patton) Mauler (James), Jason A. Patton (Kelly), Benjamin A. Patton (Michelle), Brook P. (Patton) Peterson (Sheila) and Daniel J. (Patton) Peterson (Buffy); her 22 grandchildren; her five great-grandchildren; her 10 nieces and nephews; her brother, Donald K. Hodge; and her special friend, Karen Barnhart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Doris (Hodge) Stewart; and her brother, John E. Hodge.
Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, 724-887-5300 , www.fergusonfunerals.com . GPS: N40 degrees 06.136, W79 degrees 35.278. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Additional viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday in the First Assembly of God Church, Scottdale, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Martin Koss officiating. Graveside committal services and interment will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Love Lasts Forever!