1933 – 2026
Mary Ann Patchen, 92, of Owosso, Michigan, peacefully passed away on April 22 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born December 22, 1933, in Jenison, Michigan, Mary was the cherished daughter of Roy and Jennie (DeWind) Hosteter. She graduated from Spring Vale Academy in 1952 and furthered her education at Michigan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. Mary and Vernon were married July 25, 1954, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They were married 43 years before Vernon passed away in 1998.
A devoted educator, Mary spent over 25 years as an elementary teacher and retired in 1992 from the Corunna School system. Her love for God, her family, and teaching touched hundreds of lives.
Mary and Vernon began their ministry at Spring Vale Academy as a young married couple in 1959. They spent approximately six years in Wisconsin pastoring the New Auburn Church of God (Seventh Day) and returned to Spring Vale Academy campus in 1966. Vernon and Mary lived on campus serving in many different roles for the rest of their lives.
Mary was well-known for her love of flowers, landscaping, gardening, and quilting. She is survived by her three children: Janna (Jacque) Christenson, James Patchen, Jonathan (Nanci) Patchen, and her “like a daughter” and best friend of over 60 years, Dee Whisman. Mary’s legacy also lives on through her adored grandchildren — Janelle (Jesse) Blazina, Charles Patchen, Zachary Patchen — and her great-grandchildren: Ezekiel, Hadassa, Elijah, and Malakai Blazina, who will carry her memory in their hearts. Her younger brother, Robert (Sylvia) Hosteter, resides in Arkansas, and her brother-in-law Mickey McCoy resides in Texas.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Vernon, her beloved parents, and her siblings: Viktor, Bernice, Ruth, Edward, Martha (her twin), and Verna.