"Patty was quite a fighter and always upbeat and positive. I'm sorry I cannot be there for your memorial. I have two other commitments I have to be at on Saturday. I want to let the family know that Patty was an unusual and unique person not just to her family but to all that knew her. "
In loving memory of
Patti Todden
April 25, 1952 - March 1, 2016
Patti Todden, 63, passed away March 1, 2016 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A celebration of life memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames with a time of fellowship to follow.
Patti was born on April 25, 1952 in Osceola, Iowa to Al and Evelyn Todden. She attended school in Osceola until her senior year when she transferred and graduated from Cardinal High School. She worked as a florist for 28 years at Russell Motes, Tony's Flowers, Easter Floral, and HyVee Floral. She began working at HyVee drugtown. In the meantime, she made arrangements to get her balloon pilot's license. She retired on March 27th, 2009. Upon retirement, she found a passion for country living and the farm life, calling herself a "farmette." She enjoyed cake decorating and ballooning as well as life itself. Richard and Patti owned two balloons; though she never got to fly the second one due to her illness, her friends put it up and gave her a tether ride. In the course of Patti's cancer treatments, she fought right to the end and never lost hope. Patti traveled all over Europe, Alaska, and Southwest United States. She took many train trips and bus tours to various destinations. Patti found much joy spending time with all of her family especially her nieces and nephews. She shared her love with many cats over the years.
Left to cherish Patti's memory will be Richard Swanson of Nevada, mother, Evelyn Todden of Ames, brother, Dan (Theresa) Todden of Independence, MO, sisters, Su Todden of Tampa, FL, Marianne Kitchell of Ames, nephews; Matt of Holly Hill, FL, Tony of Unionville, MO, Evan of Hawaii, Ian of Berea, KY, and Asher Drew of Nevada, nieces; Monica of Juneau, AK, Kristina of Ames, Cassie Ann of Berea, KY, great nephews; Arlen, Aiden, Levi, and Alexander, great niece, Jordan, father-in-law, Dale (Luzviminda) Swanson and their children Nicole and Jon of Nevada, a brother-in-law, Andy (Mirasol) Swanson of Nevada, and a sister-in-law, Carol (Ed) Poston of Berea, KY. She will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her father, Al and mother-in-law, Dorothy.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Patti, we only got to spend part of senior year together. But from the start you was my friend. You fought so hard....please enjoy this next journey, to no pain and seeing loved ones from the past. Much love...."
"Prayers and thoughts to all of Patti's family and friends. I always looked forward to Patti's smile and laugh when she helped me at Drugtown. She was so thoughtful and caring with customers. I remember when she told me she was leaving Drugtown, she was so excited about being a farmette! My sympathies."
"I was sad to hear of Patti's passing. I know she fought a hard battle. I always enjoyed talking to her when I went to Drugtown. Have comfort in knowing she is in a better place without any pain & suffering. Take Care"
"The world is a better place for having Patti in our lives. She was such a wonderful. positive, & beautiful friend. I will forever cherish the great times & memories I had with her. She fought such a hard battle, I'm not sure many of us could have been that courageous. I will miss Patti, my "partner in crime", as we referred to each other. My heartfelt sympathies to Richard, Evelyn, Marianne,& the rest of her wonderful family. God need one more Angel!"
"I first met Patti back in the late 70s when she came to work at Flowers by Russell Mote in Ottumwa. She was a floral designer and I was a high school student who delivered floral arrangements and general maintenance at the flower shop. Patti was a delight with whom to work. She had an infectious loving spirit. Work was always fun with Patti. She left an indelible mark for the few short years we worked together. "
"I was saddened to see of Patti's passing in today's paper. She was such a fun loving girl and loved her family so much. My thoughts & prayers to the Todden family."
"Patti was always such a positive person to see and speak to. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard and all her family."
"Patti was always positive when I went into Drugtown. So sad to hear of her passing. The light will shine in the people she shared her life with. Blessings to all.
"
"Patti had such a zest for life. She did so many things, went so many places, never knew a stranger, was devoted to her family and to Richard, always had a big smile, and made those around her feel good. There are so many things to say about her, but mostly, she will be missed, but never forgotten."
"Evelyn and all your family, We are saddened and know Patti is missed so very much. I remember how jubilant she looked and sounded when she described their hot air balloon flights. Our love is with you. "
"I will forever remember Patti's jolly laugh. I can't remember a time that when we were together in high school that she wasn't smiling. My thoughts and prayers to all of those she has left behind."
"Just know that your cousins are thinking of you during this difficult time. Remember all the good and fun family times. See you all soon. Love Martha and Lee"