LaVerne E. Patterson, 84, of Washington, passed away at 10:53 am Saturday, December 11, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born August 25, 1937 in Peoria, IL to Henry W. and Frieda L. Koch Essig. She married Albert E. Patterson on May 5, 1957; he preceded her in death in 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Joan E. Patterson in 2010; and two siblings, Glenn Essig and Dorothy Foster. Surviving are her granddaughter, Brooke Patterson; and sister, Doris Farney. LaVerne worked at Essig Motor Company for several years, also working at Bradley University before retiring. She enjoyed playing cards online and with friends. She never knew a stranger, and was known in the area as the "cowtail lady". Cremation has been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm Friday, December 17, 2021 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an education fund for her granddaughter, Brooke at CEFCU.