I have such fond memories of Ida Belle and George from the 1960s when George was the spiritual leader of Wesley Foundation at First Methodist in Iowa City. My dad, Rev. Eugene Hancock, was the senior pastor. We lived in the parsonage right across the alley from Wesley Foundation. George and Ida Belle (I would have called them Rev. and Mrs. Paterson), were among the kindest, most generous people. George was mild-mannered, but man could he play the trombone! And the saxophone too, if memory serves. I was so impressed with all his talents. As a religion major at the University of Iowa, I had the privilege of taking George's wonderful class "On Death and Dying," something he knew so much about from his chaplain work. He was a huge support.

I'm so sorry I missed the chance to send my wishes to you when your dad passed. My dad died in 2011 at age 89. My Mom, Marna, two years ago at age 99. I want to send my deepest sympathies to all the Paterson children (I remember you too!) and your big family. The world was made much brighter with both your mom and dad in it.

Though I never met Ms. Paterson, George changed my life! I will always be grateful.

HD Mitchell

Chicago, IL

We met IdaBelle is a time of profound sadness in our lives, after our son was diagnosed with liver cancer at the age of 15 months and sent to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment. IdaBelle and her husband George were friends with my in-laws, John and Helen McFarland, from their time in Iowa City and through sharing ministry in the United Methodist Church. When they were asked to drop in on us and visit, IdaBelle and George never left us. They were there by our sides to pray for us, hold our hands, and cry with us. They were the light that dispelled the darkness. I am not sure what we would have done without them. While IdaBelle is now reunited with George in the presence of Our Lord, our prayers go out to the entire Paterson family in their time of grief. May her memory be ever a blessing unto you. Presente, IdaBelle. Rest well.

My condolences to the entire Patterson family. Ida Belle was such a sweet “other mother“ to me at FUMC, when after my mother passed away in 2008 she gave me a big hug and told me she would be my “other mother”. We had many lunches together, garden pruning & weeding experiences and church interactions. We eventually became neighbors in the Wellington Condos on the east side. We shared many days of visiting over tea parties, and enjoyment by our granddaughter playing with all of the stuffed chirping birds on Ida Belle‘s couch. My husband and I went to visit her in Tama and it was a joy to see her. Your mom/grandma was one of the most kind, sweet, loving, tender hearted women I’ve ever me! I and everyone who knew her are all the richer for having her grace our lives. Blessings to your family & may her memory be of comfort to you.

Sue Terveer-Mullins

To Ida Belle’s family ~ I’ll never forget Ida Belle and how she greeted you when you entered Dr. Kammermeyer’s office. She always had a smile on her face and kind words to share. That is except for one day…November 1, 1991. I had just finished receiving my shots and as I entered the reception area, I’ll never forget the look of fear and pain on Ida Belle’s face. She had just talked with her son, and he had told her there was a shooting on the UI campus and in his building (Physics and Astronomy). At that time, I worked in UI News Services, and I got back to my office as soon as possible. When I think of that day, Ida Belle is still one of my first memories and my heart broke for her knowing all she could do was pray for her son and all the others touched that day. We shared a big hug the next time I was in the office, and we were bonded forever. Blessings and sympathies to you all. Deb Gause Borgstahl

I send my sympathy to Ida Belle's family with the hope that the love of family and friends surrounds you all with comforting memories. Ida Belle and I shared many activities together in the years when our husbands were faculty in the (then named) School of Religion at U. of I. She was always kind and fun to accompany to events. I was sad when she stopped responding to my messages a few years ago, but never stopped thinking about her. I knew she was cared for by her family.

Ida Belle and I were in The United Methodist Women together. She was such a sweet person and did so much good for so many people. My sympathies to the family for your loss.

Judi Barta

To the Ida Belle Paterson Family, I was an old neighbor of the Paterson's when they lived on the west side of town. Ida Belle was very kind to me as I was a new transplant from NW Iowa. My children were Sandi and Tim. My deepest sympathies.

Marva Abel

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother Jenny. Prayers for you and your family.

Sending hugs and prayers to her family. I was fortunate enough to get to know her through Bill, Thomas, and Marie. She was always kind and welcoming when I visited. You were all blessed to have her in your life. Rest easy sweet lady.

Rich and Mary and the rest of the Paterson families,

Your mother was a gem. She and your dad were good friends of my parents (the Hubels) for years, and later I was a neighbor of Ida Belle. She was one of the sweetest women I've known. I am so very sorry for your family's loss.

Nancy