Obituary
Sandra Carol Patterson passed away on January 12, 2026. Sandra was born to Cecil Manson Sims and Grace Devine Sims on November 2, 1937. Sandra was the third of four children born to Cecil and Grace. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, sister Clarice Carlson, brothers Robert Sims and Malcolm Sims, husband Irvin V. Patterson and son Stanley L. Patterson. Sandra leaves behind son Stephen L. Patterson, wife Carolyn, and four grandchildren. Sandy doted on her four grandchildren and loved spoiling them. Kara Stone (Timothy Stone) of Winfield, MO, Briana Holman (Matthew Holman) of Lee’s Summit, Daniel Patterson (Amy Patterson) of Greenwood, and Andrea Patterson of Lee’s Summit. Great grandchildren Savannah, Nathan, Malachi and Titus Stone, Xander Holman and Declan Patterson.
Sandra was married briefly to Gary Ala of Louisburg, Kansas, and their son Stephen was born of that union. Shortly after their divorce, Sandra began dating Irvin V. Patterson. They married in 1958 and a short time later, Irvin received permission to adopt Stephen and raised him as his own son. In 1960 Stanley L. Patterson was born and their family was complete.
Sandra loved to learn and strived for excellence in all her studies. She graduated with honors from Louisburg High School. It was years later before she continued her education. Sandy earned her Associates Degree from Longview Community College in May of 1976. She continued her studies at UMKC.
Whether Sandy was researching genealogy, helping Stanley build houses, planning delicious meals to share, planting beautiful flower gardens, hosting bridge parties for friends, planning exotic vacations or just lending an ear to someone needing some encouragement, Sandy gave her all. She loved well and will be missed by many.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 at Summit Woods Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Interment will follow at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
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Lee's Summit, MO 64063
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Lee's Summit, MO 64063
My sister-in-law, Sandy, was my brother, Irvin’s biggest supporter, even working alongside him building houses. They traveled together with their sons and later grandchildren all over the country. Sandy helped Irvin research the Patterson family all the way back to the Revolutionary war.
Sandy was a good cook, famous to me for the best fried chicken and gravy I have had in my 91 years.
My deepest condolences to those closest to Sandy. I have profound respect and gratitude to the professionals who have cared for her when she needed it most.
I will remember Sandy as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother with a strongly independent intellect that enabled her to accomplish important research into family history, involvement in community concerns, and knowledge of world news issues.
Sandy created a welcoming home. Even for a large family with divergent beliefs, occupations, and political affiliations, she could gather all of them together at her dinner table for amazing taco feasts and other wonderful meals. I have precious memories of Sandy.