Verda Ferril Patterson

Verda Ruth (Ferril) Patterson was born on August 17, 1931 in Denver, CO. The daughter of Charles B Ferril and Clara R. Henry Ferril. She passed away on August 5, 2026. She was a life-long resident of Colorado, except for a short stint in Indiana, while her husband earned his Masters Degree. Verda met John Cecil Patterson while they both attended Western State College; they were married on May 21,1950 in Mesa Verde National Park, and spent that summer in the fire rangers' lookout in Mesa Verde, with John as the resident ranger.

John and Verda arrived in Grand Junction after that short time in Indiana, and began a very active community life. They were members of the first Congregational Church, and later the First United Methodist Church. Verda was employed as an insurance company secretary, and later at Redlands United Methodist Church. But she also signed on as a long-time volunteer with several local enterprises., including the First United Methodist Church office, Mesa County elections office, Mesa County Library, Grand Junction Welcome Center, and the Powderhorn ski patrol. She also had a beautiful singing voice, and sang in church choirs, the Western Colorado Chorale, and Schumann Singers. In addition she rang in multiple handbell choirs.

Vera loved the out-of-doors, and enjoyed skiing, hiking, Jeep rides in the mountains, and river rafting. She rafted through the Grand Canyon at least three times, and rode the best rapids in other well-known "nearby" spots. She enjoyed seeing other parts of the world, having visited at least for out of our seven continents. YES one continent was Antarctica!

Other interests Verda enjoyed were reading, archeology, watching CMU basketball home games and anything Native American. She had great respect for Native American art, culture and the people' she and John collected many fine pieces of art to decorate their home. She even sewed her own valances which she enhanced with Kokopelli figures.

Verd also had a passion for animals, especially cats. She was involved in the trap-neuter-release efforts within the community, and raises "several" cats who showed up at her door. Looking at the broader picture, Verda was a great supporter of non-profit organizations- both local and afar. She was a champion of the underdogs, and contributed to organizations dedicated to protect the planet and all living creatures

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Verda on Sunday August 29, at 10:00am at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave., Grand Junction. A reception will follow the Church.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be made to a favorite small or local non-profit animal rescue organization- such as CLAWS or Roice-Hurst Humane Society- a wildlife protection organization, or an active environmental protection group.