->EMBDEN -- Ella D. Patterson, 92, of Embden died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at her home in Embden, the same home in which she was born on Oct. 28, 1915. Ella was one of seven children born to Harry and Fostina (Pierce) Dickey.Growing up in a large family who farmed and raised most of their own food was fairly common in the 1920s in Embden. Ella and her two sisters, Dorothy and Edna, loved to reminisce about the picking of strawberries and blueberries, preparing and preserving vegetables, and especially cooking lessons from their devoted "Momma."Ella attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Embden, and greatly enjoyed telling the younger family members about the joys, and the hardships, of that experience. She graduated from Anson Academy in North Anson, and then went on to attend Skowhegan Business School in Skowhegan.In 1940, Ella and Frank Patterson were married and settled in Skowhegan, where Frank worked for many years for the Somerset Oil Co.Ella would soon begin a career that would span 40 years at the Clyde Smith Memorial Hospital, which would become the Fairview Hospital and finally the Redington Fairview General Hospital. Ella started out helping Dr. Bisson with his "paperwork" at the Clyde Smith Memorial Hospital. As the years went on she would study and learn all that was necessary to maintain the personal growth needed in health care and the changes taking place at the hospital; as her roles were changing from clerical, to admitting, to bookkeeping, to office manager and ultimately to the assistant administrator.Ella and Frank enjoyed traveling throughout Maine and New Hampshire, especially summer visits to the coast. Family outings and picnics to upcountry areas looking for wildlife were favorite and frequent trips. They also enjoyed the Lakewood Summer Theater, serving as ushers and patrons for many years.Ella was very active throughout her lifetime with many organizations. She was involved in 4-H, the Farm Bureau, North Anson Grange, Semper Fidelis Club of Skowhegan, Daughters of the American Revolution, Skowhegan Federated Church, Somerset Historical Society, Embden Historical Society and the Congregational Church of North Anson.Ella is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Flanders of North Anson and Edna Dube of Madison and Embden. Ella is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many dear friends who will greatly miss this special person.She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Frank Patterson; and four brothers Frank, Paul, Homer and Robert Dickey.Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Congregational Church in North Anson. A celebration of life will follow at noon at the Congregational Church in North Anson with the Rev. David Waltz officiating.Arrangements are with Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.Donations may be made in Ella's memory to the Somerset Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.