Esther Patten

Esther Patten, age 94, and long-time resident of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 1, 2025 at the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a family led service will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Esther’s name may be directed to the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Esther Donna Smith was born November 21, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was one of five children born to Hartwick and B. (Dueland) Smith. Esther grew up and attended school within the Milwaukee area.

In 1955, she was united in marriage to Oliver Lamont Patten in Quincy, Illinois. With Oliver being stationed in the Navy, they called many places their home over the early years of marriage. Together they began a family raising three children, David, Linda and Judy. In 1968, Esther and Oliver came to Iowa moving to Des Moines, Iowa on the south side. She began a career working in the school’s food service program as a chef. She worked for the Des Moines Public Schools for 20 years until her retirement. In her free time, Esther enjoyed dancing, going shopping, decorating her home, and entertaining her family and friends. She had many times of being able to take opportunities to travel with her husband Oliver which she cherished.

Those left to remember and cherish her memory are her children, Linda Patten-Seals and Judy (Stan) Evans; her grandchildren, Amanda, Carissa, Joey, Michael, Christal, Sarah, Derrin (Misty) and Ryan; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews

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She is preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Patten; her son, David Patten; her parents, Hartwick and B. Smith; and her four siblings.