OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Denver Post
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 


Margaret A. Patton

Patton, Margaret A. of Fort Collins passed away on July 2, 2011, she was 86 years old. Margaret was born January 24, 1925 to Peter and Frances Burggraff in Stratton, CO. Margaret was one of nine children. Born a twin, she was so tiny at birth that her bed was a shoebox and her head fit into a small teacup. The family moved to Brighton, CO, were she graduated fromBrighton High School , and then to Denver where Margaret met her husband, Richard Patton during WWII, they were married on November 23, 1946. In accordance with her love of the livestock industry she went to work at the Record Stockman for several years and earned the lifelong respect of the editor and publisher. Shortly thereafter, while raising a family of four children she returned to work at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. She worked there from 1965 until her retirement at Executive Secretary in 1988. Margaret had many fond memories of the Stock Show, including working with "celebrities, board members, and exhibitors". She especially enjoyed riding in the Stock Show stagecoach during performances of the rodeo, waving at the crowd, and having her children lead livestock into the arena. Margaret was a long term resident of Marston Shores in Littleton, CO where she was the "get it done" person in the homeowners board. She enjoyed gardening and spending summer weekends with her family at their mountain cabin in Bailey, CO. For the past 9 years she was a resident of Columbine Care Center West in Fort Collins where the caring staff helped her stay independent and feisty. Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her favorite sayings were "you can do anything that you put your mind to" and "dynamite comes in small packages". She was 4'9" tall, but very dynamic! Margaret was involved with Executive Secretaries International, Mother of Twins Club, Alter and Rosary Society Notre Dame Catholic Church. Margaret is survived by her sons Mark Patton and his wife Paula of Foxfield, CO and Richard Patton Jr. of Denver, CO; her daughters Marchell Fletcher of Durango, CO and Marcia Patton-Mallory and her husband Robert Mallory of Fort Collins; grandchildren Jessica Mallory of Fort Collins, CO and Dustin Mallory and his wife Christene of Erie, CO; and 1 great grandchild Cayden Mallory. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters and husband. She will always be cherished in our hearts. A memorial mass will take place on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 11:00am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 355. S. Navajo, Denver, CO. Memorial contributions can be made to your charity of choice in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526