Patty Ruth Holt Brown, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, with her family by her side. Patty was born in Stanly County on Feb. 26, 1933, to the late Robert Glen Holt and Mary (Thompson) Holt. Patty's passion in life was her nursing career and being a caregiver to several family members, but her favorite hobby was playing doubles tennis. She began playing tennis as a young lady and continued on throughout her life and was ranked in several tournaments. Patty also enjoyed music and used to sing on the radio with her siblings and later on in her church choir. She loved gardening and most any outdoor activity. She and her husband traveled extensively and were blessed to be able to see 49 states collecting rocks from every national park. Her favorite place was the beach and true to herself she decorated her home in a beach theme. Known by her grandchildren as "Grandy," Patty was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory are her three children, Rick Brown and wife, Margo, of Sacramento, California, Mike Brown and wife, Karen, of Gastonia and Katharine Brown of Franklin; sister, Betty Elliott of Shelby; grandchildren, Carolina and Catie Brown, Dillon and Trey Wadewitz and Devin, Brice and Alexander Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Brown; two brothers; and a very special friend, Boyce Hunt. A private graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Gaston Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer. The Rev. Joan Martin will preside. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday at Covenant Village in Gastonia.

Contributor: Kevin Haynes (47893059)