Mary Louise Patterson Deines or Louise, as she was known to most, was born to Ira & Inez (Hewlett) Patterson in Savanna, Oklahoma on January 13, 1919. She and her five siblings lived a humble and meager life, but one that was filled with love and joy and a keen awareness of God and the teachings from the Bible. Louise had a love for the Lord from early in her life and that love and her faith never wavered.
Louise received a BS in Education from Chadron State College in 1967. Prior to her attendance at Chadron, she went one year to Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, TX. Louise continued to pursue “studying” all her life by yearly reading through the Bible, participating in several weekly Bible studies, attending Sunday School and church and making her daily devotions upon waking, part of her daily routine, all which deepened her knowledge and love for the Lord.
Louise worked with the Native Americans in Pine Ridge, teaching in the Elementary School there for seven years. Louise received the Indian name “Iyoyampawin” which means Shining Light. As was their tradition, this name was passed on to her when Von Morey passed away. This indeed was a high honor. After moving to Scottsbluff, Louise taught 2nd grade at Roosevelt Elementary for 12 years.
Louise married Harry Deines May 16, 1975 and she immediately became “Mom” to Lee, Jim and Shirley. She and Harry had a “jewelry store” in their home on Avenue D which allowed Louise to meet many people and through those times she formed many lasting friendships. After Harry’s passing, Louise moved to Heritage Park where she became the matriarch that all who dwelt there felt a closeness to because of her genuine love for each one who called Heritage Park home.
All throughout her life, Louise demonstrated the true meaning of being a servant of the Lord, caring for those in need, providing transportation (near or far), serving on the Board of First Church of God and Women of the Church of God, being actively involved in the Nebraska Church of God ministries, especially their Annual Convention, ministering once again to the Native American population with those who served as Pastors at Inter Cultural Chapel and enjoyed being a part of the weekly garage sale at ICC, once again forming many lasting and dear friendships with those who frequented the event. She could be counted on to be present and participate at each Sunday service at both First Church of God and the Inter Cultural Chapel, often taking charge of special programs and teaching the children the Bible lessons so familiar and dear to her, using her God given musical gift to share the salvation message in song and with her faithfulness in attending those services and praising the Lord and fellowship with brothers and sisters in the faith. She became a great encouragement to all who knew her.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Inez Patterson; husband Harry Deines; daughter-in-law Margaret Luella Deines; stepdaughter Shirley Green; great grandson Chad Glasgow; brothers Irvin and Ray Patterson and sisters Helen (Jack) Myers and Frieda (Bob) Blair.
Louise is survived by her two sons Lee and Jim (Lin) Deines of Gordon, NE; sister Lila Hurley of Cedar Park, TX; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; special nieces Lenora (Kresten) Norholm, Brenda (Steve Jahn) Flowers, Barbara (Dan) Headley and many brothers and sisters in Christ.
A Celebration of Life service for Louise will be held at First Church of God, 2122 Avenue F, Scottsbluff, NE at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 20,2024. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park following the service. A memorial has been established to First Church of God. Bridgman Funeral Home is assisting the family.
