Order recognizes Patteson
Published 2:16 pm Thursday, October 19, 2017
- Ruth Patteson, 98, was celebrated for 70 years of membership with Fraternal Organization Virginia Order of the Eastern Star recently. Pictured are, from left, front row, Chuck Daniel, Ruth Patteson, Worthy Grand Matron Marcia Perry, Virginia Silsby, Dolly Worthy, Betty Meadows; back row, Janet Moore, Mackenzie Hart, Shirley Moore, Alice Throckmorton, Associate Grand Patron Howard Mason, Brenda Richardson, Margaret Stockton and Dean Mason (photo by Emily Hollingsworth).
The decades of service Farmville resident 98-year-old Ruth Patteson has given to the Heart of Virginia was recognized Sept. 8 by representatives of the Virginia Order of the Eastern Star, along with her friends. She has been a member of the organization for 70 years.
The group of friends, order members and state representatives surprised Patteson at her home on First Avenue.
Patteson received a certificate noting her 70 years in the organization along with a pin.
Patteson first joined the Pamplin Chapter No. 35 of the organization Sept. 9, 1947. She celebrated her 98th birthday in June.
She remains a member of the Pamplin chapter and is an honorary member of the Robert Morris Chapter No. 150 in Farmville.
Patteson, who was born and raised in Kenbridge, has lived in her home on First Avenue for 57 years.
She said she’s enjoyed the camaraderie of being in the fraternal organization for so many years.
“The people,” Patteson replied when asked her favorite aspect of being in the organization. “I love people.”
Patteson worked at the former First National Bank for 20 years and at the J.J. Newberry Department Store at Third and Main streets for 27 years before it burned.
Worthy Grand Matron Marcia Perry and Associate Grand Patron Howard Mason from the state Order of the Eastern Star, based in Virginia Beach, presented the certificate to Patteson.
Shirley Moore, a club member and friend of Patteson, said the chapter organized the surprise for Patteson, who has not been able to attend regular meetings.
“She lights up the room,” Moore said about her impression of Patteson. Moore, who joined the Order in 1982, continues to be inspired by Patteson’s energy and love of serving.
“She’s just an inspiration and example,” Moore said.
Mason noted Patteson’s achievement and experience in the organization.
“This is a special lady right here,” Mason said. “God’s blessed her in her life.”
Patteson said she has seen a lot of new changes in the members and activities, along with that in the towns of Farmville and Kenbridge in the decades she has resided there.
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization based from the Masonic Lodge and focuses on raising funds for charitable organizations, including music therapy programs.
