Bonita "Bonnie" Bailey Patterson

Bonita (Bonnie) Bailey Patterson, age 90, was born June 20, 1930 in Morrison, Missouri, the youngest daughter of Edward and Gasena (Boss) Mertens. With her family surrounding her bedside, her spirit went to be with her other heavenly family members according to the scripture, John 14:2. She died at Mosaic Life Center in St. Joseph on August 6, 2020.

Bonnie was a graduate of Chamois High School in Chamois, Missouri in 1948 and after graduation went to work in Jefferson City, Missouri. A young farm man from Oregon, Missouri, who was attending the University of Missouri at Columbia, Robert (Bob) Bailey, fell in love with her and they were married on January 28, 1950 in St. Charles, Missouri.

Five children were born to this union. Her greatest joy in life was being in the presence of her family and her grandchildren. Her home was “home plate” to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all the neighborhood children. She taught many kids how to swing a bat, catch a fly ball and pitch a softball.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Bob Bailey in 1991 and J. C. Patterson in 2012, two sons, Brad in 1961, Benny in 1972 and a grandson, Bayley Banks in 2005. All of her siblings, Geneva Vogel, Ruth Turner, Norbert Mertens, Renilda Pecoraro, Eileen Paulsmeyer and their spouses have preceded her in death.

Survivors include the following: daughter, Billie (David) Banks, and sons Bert (Susan) Bailey and B.J. (Janet) Bailey all of Oregon; 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Her sister-in-law, Avenel Bailey, numerous nieces and nephews and all her many friends and neighbors also survive her. For the last 3 ½ years of her life, she became the “sassy” resident of the Oregon Care Center and the residents and staff became her 2 ^nd family.

Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm Monday at the Oregon United Methodist Church with her service to follow at 3:00 pm. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery, Oregon following the service. Memorial contributions: Oregon United Methodist Church, Garden Fund. Care entrusted to Chamberlain Funeral Home, Oregon. Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainfuneral.com