A funeral service will take place Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Lockwood Community Church in Coldwater with Pastor Shayne Looper officiating. A private interment will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Condensing ninety-two years allows only a glimpse of what Eleanor Grace (Culver) Patch’s earthly spiritual journey held. It appears to be more about genuine love of others than anything else. As a farmer’s wife for over 50 years, she mastered the art of do-it-yourself living, including digging up dandelions. She learned how to feed, clothe and care for her five children with little resources available. She accepted a foster child, aging parents, lost and needy others into her fold - turning away no one. Her niece dubbed her St. Eleanor. She used her medical secretarial skills with superb spelling to support her family, and also when she joined numerous organizations beneficial to others. With her graceful handwriting, she wrote countless cards and letters to anyone she felt needed comforting. Eleanor lived a consistently kind, generous and full life. She found joy and fulfillment in music and singing, quilting and sewing, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and in her absolute belief in God. She volunteered, mentored, taught, consoled, fostered, rescued, nurtured and listened to young and old, sick and well, even bringing baby ducks and a newborn colt into her kitchen on a frigid winter night. She raised her children in her church and never wavered. She is a beautiful soul with very soft hands that we will miss holding.

Eleanor Grace (Culver) Patch met her Lord Jesus on Nov. 24, 2014. She was born on April 5, 1922 in Tekonsha, MI to Homer M. and Grace Randall Culver. She and her brothers Wayne and Ken Culver and sister Carol grew up in Tekonsha, MI. After graduation from Tekonsha HS as Valedictorian of her class, she attended Cleary College in Ypsilanti until her marriage to Harold E. Patch in 1943. Together they raised five children: Jerry Patch of Provo, Utah, Bonnie Whitaker of Coldwater, Linda (William) Tiefenbach of Portage, MI, Carol (Dwight) Woodman of Coldwater and Treva (William) Paris of Bristol IN. Eleanor cherished time spent with her 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Many other special people in her life were honored to call her "Mom", including Alona Patch, Jerry (Sandy) Brown and Angie Johnson.

Eleanor spent many years working at the Cooperative Extension Service (4-H Office) and the Coldwater State Home and Training School. She was a faithful member of the Lockwood Community Church. Her husband Harold, brothers Wayne & Kenneth Culver, and granddaughter Audrey Woodman Vaccaro preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward the Maple Lawn Auxiliary or a charity of your choice. The family has requested that people attending the visitation or memorial service bring a quilt Eleanor made for you. It will be returned after the service. www.dutcherfh.com.