Ralyhe Elaine Patterson

Ralyhe “Ral” Patterson, 88, of Bemidji, MN died Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Havenwood Care Center, Bemidji only 8 days after the death of her beloved husband, Ron.

Ralyhe Elaine Rutchick was born May 14, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN to David & Gertrude (Bookman) Rutchick.  She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School in 1947. She then went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where she attained an Associates degree.  Ralyhe was quite active in her sorority and it was in Greek Life that she met her future husband, Ron Patterson.  They married on June 24, 1950 at Temple Israel in Minneapolis and recently celebrated 67 years together.  Ralyhe’s Jewish heritage was very important to her and she was quite active in the Jewish community while living in Minneapolis.  She and Ron were long time members of Temple Israel.  After their wedding, they lived in Kirksville, MO where Ron was stationed in the US Air Force.  After Ron was honorably discharged from the military, they moved to Bemidji and joined Ron’s parents, Abe & Annette at Patterson’s Clothing.  Ralyhe worked alongside Ron at Patterson’s Clothing where she assisted in retail buying and sales.  She served her community and volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, volunteered at Planned Parenthood and was a board member of the Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center.  She also was an excellent cook, baker, gardener, canner and created many beautiful needle points.  Ralyhe and Ron, along with many of their friends, were active in golf, tennis and curling.  She was a member of her bridge group for over 50 years.  Ralyhe and Ron also enjoyed traveling with great friends both in the states and abroad.  It was during those winter travel trips that they decided to spend the winters at their condo in Scottsdale, AZ.  Ralyhe’s most cherished times were spent with her loving family and friends.

She is survived by son, Steve (Sally) Patterson and daughter, Jan (Peter) Guggenheimer both of Bemidji; grandchildren, Abby (Mat) Barlow of Boulder, CO, Molly (Jeff) Miller of New Brighton, MN and Ethan (Erinn) Guggenheimer of Minnetonka, MN; great-grandchildren, Jack, Caleb and Emma and sister, Naomi Rutchick Maul of Minneapolis, MN.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Havenwood Care Center Scholarship Fund.

Online guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

 Service Information