Ellen M. (Masterson) Patton

Ellen M. Masterson was born on October 16, 1926, to James Marion Masterson and Mary Elizabeth Masterson (née Curran) in Scammon, Kansas. She attended Mineral Local Schools until a local priest arranged for bus transportation to St. Mary’s School (K–12) in Pittsburg, Kansas. Ellen was raised on a farm that was part of the original Masterson homestead in Scammon.

Her academic excellence earned her a scholarship to St. Mary’s, followed by the Bishop’s Scholarship to attend Sacred Heart College in Wichita, Kansas (now Newman University). After two years, she obtained a teaching certificate—at that time a two-year degree was sufficient for educators. She then entered the convent as a novice nun and taught school in Oklahoma, overlooking historic Route 66. Each summer, she continued her studies at Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College). Ellen later left the convent and completed her four-year degree around 1952.

During World War II, in 1942, Ellen met Hubert Patton at a USO dance at Sacred Heart College. The following day, she saw Hubert receive communion at Mass, assuring her and her friends of his good character. Hubert was soon deployed to the South Pacific, but the two maintained correspondence—even during Ellen’s years in the convent.

In 1953, Ellen stopped in Cleveland, Ohio, on her way to Milwaukee to accept an editor position. Encouraged by Hubert’s relatives, she remained in Cleveland, where they helped her secure a position. A few months later, she married the persistent Hubert Patton at St. Malachi Church in Cleveland. After brief roles as a social worker and a bookkeeper at GMAC, Ellen began her career in education with the Cleveland Public Schools.

Ellen dedicated many years to education, serving as an elementary school teacher before being promoted to Assistant Principal and later to Principal, a position she held until retirement. Notably, before the era of public television, she appeared on a local Cleveland television station (WEWS Channel 5), teaching elementary mathematics in a classroom-on-air format. After retiring from her principalship, she continued to contribute as a consultant to the Cleveland Board of Education.

In retirement, Ellen remained highly active. She served as a student teacher supervisor for Allegheny College, volunteered at the original St. John’s Hospital, and founded several book groups. She was also a devoted supporter of the Incarnate Word Sisters, writing newsletters and assisting with the history of their order. Ellen had a deep love of reading and travel. She journeyed extensively throughout the United States and abroad, visiting Ireland, England, France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. Travel and reading were her lifelong passions.

Ellen was predeceased by her eldest son, Patrick James Patton (1984), and her beloved husband, Hubert T. Patton (1985).

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Anne Zubarev, and Mary Anne’s husband Victor Zubarev; their children, Patrick Zubarev and Ariel McGinty; and Ariel’s children, Haleigh, Harper, and Harrison McGinty. She is also survived by her son Michael Patton and his wife Martha (née Wolters); their children, Kathleen Rizer and Kathleen’s husband Patrick, Bridget Patton, Hugh Patton, and Patrick Patton. Kathleen and Patrick Rizer’s children—Finbarr, Abigail, and Mitchell Rizer.

Ellen is remembered for her intelligence, dedication to education, strong faith, and love of books, and travel. Her life was one of purpose, service, and enduring curiosity.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Richards Church at 26855 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070. The Mass will be held on Saturday July 25th at 10:00am and a buffet luncheon reception to follow at the West Side Irish American Club at 8559 Jennings Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138. Please RSVP with headcount if you plan to attend the reception, respond to: [email protected]

Please do not send flowers or make any kind of donation in honor of Ellen, your prayers and good memories of her is all that is needed!