Patricia Lee Melrose

Patricia “Patty” Melrose passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Carman Oaks Retirement Home, where she had lived for the past seven years. Her vibrant personality and sunny disposition will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Patty was born on November 26, 1924, in Seattle, Washington, to Esther and Ken Batchelder. She shared a close bond with her sister, Betty Batchelder Brokaw, and her brother, Robert Bruce Batchelder.

She spent part of her childhood in Longview, Washington, where she loved riding her bike and playing along the shores of Lake Sacajawea. In 1936, her family moved to the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle, which she remembered as a delightful place to grow up. Patty enjoyed Girl Scouts, summer days at the Beach Club, and attending Roosevelt High School, where she served as Senior Class Treasurer and graduated in 1942.

That fall she enrolled at the University of Washington and remained a proud Husky throughout her life. She graduated in 1946 with a degree in Political Science specializing in International Relations. Patty was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and cherished her lifelong connection to the organization, especially when her daughter Carolyn later pledged Pi Beta Phi at Oregon State University.

In the summer of 1946, Patty met her future husband, Samuel Hallum Melrose, at a beach party on Puget Sound. They married on June 21, 1947, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Laurelhurst. After living in Seattle, Sam’s career brought the family to Portland in 1950, where they welcomed their children Carolyn (1950) and Steve (1952).

In 1956, the family moved to Mercer Island, where they welcomed their son, Scott. There they built a home with several other families on beautiful Lake Washington property they called “Septimus.” Many happy summers were spent swimming and rowing on the lake. In 1964, Sam accepted a position with JBL&K Insurance, and the family moved to Lake Oswego, where Patty lived for more than 50 years before moving to Carman Oaks in 2019.

Patty was deeply involved in her community. She helped found the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of Lake Oswego and served as its president, as well as serving as Province President for Pi Beta Phi. She was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as Regent, and was known to many as Betsy Ross while marching in the Lake Oswego Fourth of July parade.

Her faith played a central role in her life. At Lake Grove Presbyterian Church she served as both a Deacon and an Elder and founded a weekly prayer group called the Lamplighters in 1974. Patty also shared her love of art by taking art painting classes led by Sister Peter Mary. One of her paintings was displayed at the Portland Art Museum and later purchased by First National Bank.

Patty enjoyed many hobbies and friendships, including garden club, bridge club gatherings that lasted over 40 years, being a member of Lakewood Associates, volunteering at Lakewood Center’s Re-Runs store, and participating in singing with the MelloMacs alongside Sam.

Travel was another joy in Patty’s life. She and Sam explored many places together, including Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Germany, and much of Europe. After Sam’s passing in 1998, Patty continued traveling with friends and family, including memorable trips to India, Alaska, Turkey, and Portugal. One of her most cherished experiences was taking her children and their spouses on a Mediterranean cruise in 2004.

Above all, Patty treasured her family. She often said that the guiding principles of her life were faith, family, and friendship, and she lived those values every day. Her joyful and grateful spirit touched many lives, and she frequently reminded others, “I am blessed to be a blessing.”

In 2024, Patty joyfully celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church and Oswego Lake Country Club.

Patty is survived by her children Carolyn (Clay), Steve (Dona), and Scott (Nancy); her grandchildren Brian, Aaron, Carrie, Brian, Daniel, Heather, Emily, Todd, and Sarah; and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her parents; her sister Betty; and her brother Bob.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 25 at 2:30 at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers donations in her name can be made to Lake Grove Presbyterian Church.