Eleanor Harrill Van Patten

After a courageous battle against cancer, Eleanor H. Van Patten passed away on 29 December 2024, at home with her husband and two daughters by her side. She was born on 1 September 1954 in Morganton, North Carolina to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene T. Harrill. Ellie leaves behind her husband of 50 years, Colonel (Ret.) James G. Van Patten Jr.; daughters Major Elizabeth Van Patten and Katherine Schatzberg BSN, RN; son Thomas Schatzberg; as well as her four grandchildren Tristian, Joshua, Aria, and Ethan.

Ellie was a 1972 graduate of Glad Valley High School in North Carolina. Following high school, Ellie studied Art at Winthrop College in South Carolina. She loved all mediums of art and was a talented artist and photographer. She also played the violin and promoted art and music in her daughters and grandchildren.

She was a proud resident of Newnan, Georgia, where she and her husband retired after 30 years in the US Army. She dedicated her life to helping service men and women of the armed forces and their families. Throughout her life, her exceptional selfless service and dedication was formally recognized for a wide range of support activities by Army and Air Force Commanders at all levels.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at 3 o’clock on Thursday, 2 January 2025 at Trinity Church Student Center (8817 Highway 54 W, Sharpsburg, GA 30277), followed by a light dinner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 180 Degree Farm (https://180degreefarm.org) to honor Ellie’s memory.

Ellie has instilled in others the desire to serve our nation that will be felt for generations to come. “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’”