Mildred Roberta (Stauffer) Patterson , 96, passed away Monday, February 29, 2016. She was born on a farm northeast of Valley Center, Kansas, to Andrew Grant Stauffer and Ida Oda (Utz) Stauffer, the youngest of eight children. Her family moved to Valley Center when Mildred was three. She was a graduate of Valley Center High School and Friends University, going on to teach 42 ½ years. She taught in several one-room schools and county schools before teaching in Valley Center from 1960 through her retirement in 1984. On June 17, 1961, Mildred married Millard "Pat" Patterson. Mildred gained four step- children whom she adored. On June 17, 1964, their daughter Phoebe (Patterson) McCormick was born. Among her greatest teaching achievements were teaching her grandchildren to read, teaching the U.S. states and capitols to many students, and earning the KSN "My Favorite Teacher Award" in 1983. Mildred was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, Valley Center, where she taught Sunday School, founded the Junior Youth Fellowship, and participated in the United Methodist Women. Mildred is survived by Phoebe and husband Michael; grandchildren Kristin Kirkland (Kevin), Bethany Lindstrom (Aaron), and Sarah Ingle (Jesse); Stepchildren Grace Parson (Gary), Perry Patterson (Nancy), John Patterson, Sheryl Patterson, step grandchildren and a host of family and friends. Her husband, parents, siblings, and one stepson preceded her in death. Memorials in Mildred's memory may be designated to the First United Methodist Church, 560 N. Park, Valley Center, KS, 67147.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 2 from 5-7pm. Her service will be Thursday, March 3 at 1:00 pm. Both will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 560 N. Park, Valley Center. The graveside service will follow the church service at Hillside Cemetery, Sedgwick, Kansas. Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center, has charge. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.