Beatrice Patterson, age 96, of Portage passed away Sunday April 28, 2013 at the Porter Regional Hospital. Beatrice was born May 23, 1916 in Crittenden County, Kentucky to the late Patrick Henry and Willie Jane (Sullivan) Riley. Beatrice was a homemaker loving mother, grandmother and wife. She enjoyed gardening, taking care of her yard and collecting glass figurines. Beatrice loved cooking, canning and caring for the wild animals in her neighborhood. Beatrice fed and named 6 crows that returned to her yard year after year. She had love, compassion, strength and courage for everyone.

Beatrice is survived by three children, Martha Orr of Valparaiso, Barbara (William) Martin of Crown Point and James D. Patterson of Portage; eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; two sisters Windle Gray of Hopkinsville, KY and Mildred Long of Marion, KY; and a sister-in-law Margaret Riley of Marion KY.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband James F. Patterson, her parents, two brothers Randall and Raymond Riley, a grandson Robert Murray and a great grandson Kyle Rickard.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 am Thursday May 2, 2013 at the Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana with Pastor Donald Thornton officiating. Burial will follow in Calumet Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday May 1, 2013 from 4-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel.