As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Bethany (Beth) J. Patterson, 97, of Houghton, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026.
Beth was born on January 11, 1929 in Flint Michigan, to Martin and Bertha Richmond. After graduating from Flint Northern High School, Beth attended Flint Junior College, where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Patterson. They were united in marriage on August 12, 1950 and celebrated 70 wonderful years before Bob’s passing.
After receiving her teaching degree from Michigan State University and while Bob finished his education at U of M, Beth taught elementary school in Milford, MI. Bob and Beth then moved to Flint where Beth became a homemaker and stay at home mother.
In 1961, Beth, Bob and children moved from Flint to Houghton after Bob accepted a position with Michigan Tech as a librarian.
Beth had a passion for books and reading, so much so, that she worked for the Portage Lake Library as a librarian for over 30 years. Beth, later enrolled in the nursing program at Michigan Tech and worked at local hospitals and hospice care until her retirement.
Beth and Bob owned “The Camp” near Eagle Harbor, Mi. Beth loved her time there, where she could indulge in her love of nature, hiking, berry picking, and rock hounding. Beth also had a love for gardening, photography, and bird watching. You could always find a bird species book by her windows along with a set of binoculars.
Beth loved all animals and believed that every animal had a right to life. Beth worked tirelessly for the Copper Country Humane Society. Beth would pick up strays, take animals to vet appointments, both locally and sometimes hundreds of miles away. Beth loved writing and talking, on the radio, for the Humane Society news letter. Some of Beth’s dearest friends were made during this time.
Beth took the MSU extension “Master Gardener” course and surrounded her home and the camp with an assortment of colorful flowers, plants and trees. She was a lifelong supporter of the Audubon Society and was an advocate for not cutting any living trees down.
Beth was a woman of faith and loved listening to old gospel hymns. She attended church regularly to hear the gospel from Pastor Steve Wilson until her health prevented her from going. Beth made some of her closest friends at Evangel, who continued to visit and support her.
Beth was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family brought her so much joy and she loved every minute she spent with them.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Bertha, and her beloved husband, Bob.
Beth is survived by her children, Debby (John) Glupker and Michael (Karen) Patterson. Five grandchildren, Ben (Kelly) Glupker, Sarah (Matt) Mitchell, Andrew (Amanda) Glupker, Michael Glupker and Blake Patterson and 12 great-grandchildren. Her brother and sister-in-law, Larry (Jan) Richmond and their children.
The family would like to thank Canal View for the wonderful care that Beth received while in their care and her caring neighbors who watched out for her. You all are amazing.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Copper Country Humane Society and the Michigan Audubon Society.
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