Sandra "Sam" Patterson

Sandra Sue 'Sam' Patterson, age 60, of North Platte, NE, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016, at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln, NE.

Sam was born October 22, 1955, in Sterling, CO, then adopted by Jim and Becky Patterson. The family lived in Lewellen, NE for a while then moved to Ogallala, NE where Sam graduated from high school with the Class of '74. While in high school, she was recognized as Teen of the Month and Citizen of the Year for her work with the handicap.

After graduation, Sam moved to Lincoln, NE where she attended Nebraska Wesylan University and during the summers worked as a counselor at Norweska Methodist Church Camp. Sam received her B.A. in English then went on to teach in Kimball, NE. Sam eventually earned her M.A.R. Degree from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO in 1985 then began her ministry with the Methodist Church.

Pastor Sam was first assigned to the United Methodist Church in Neenah, WI, then moved to Windsor, CO to work at Faith United Church of Christ. She went back to school at Iliff and graduated with a M.D.V. in 1993. Pastor Sam then became the Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in North Platte. After seven years she was assigned to be Pastor at the Methodist Churches in Shickley and Ong, NE. Pastor Sam worked in the communities for the next two years before she had to take disability leave due to health concerns and return to North Platte.

Pastor Sam had great faith in the Lord and enjoyed her ministry. She also loved the snow and was a talented musician. She played the clarinet from 4th grade through high school and continued playing in college with the marching band and concert band. When Sam moved to Wisconsin she played in the Neenah Community Band and they had the opportunity to tour and perform in Europe. She also learned to play bells both in a choir and solo.

Along with her churches, Sam was a member of the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, a board member with Habitat for Humanity and attended the UMC Monday Musicale.

Sam leaves behind her loving parents, Jim and Becky Patterson, of Oshkosh, NE; and her many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and cousins, Larry Beckley, Merlin Orr and Shirley Flohr.

Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. (CT) Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. (MT) in the Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen. Visitation and book signing will be at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First United Methodist Church, Bell Choir, Habitat for Humanity or the Donor's Choice. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.