Patty Rector

Patty Rose Rector passed away sadly in a local hospital, Tuesday, April 17, 2012.She was born in Dayton, Tenn., on Dec. 6, 1937.She was a graduate of the Central High School class of 1956, member of the cheerleading squad and voted homecoming queen. She also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.In her early career she worked at South Central Bell as a switch board operator. She later moved to Cleveland, Tenn., working as a PBX operator for Bowater. At the age of 39 she followed her lifelong passion attending and graduating from Southern Missionary College with a Nursing degree. Patty was an emergency room nurse at Bradley Memorial Hospital. While living a semi country life in Cleveland she fell in love with and acquired a passion for plants and animals. She returned to Chattanooga and East Ridge Hospital, where she retired a diabetic nurse educator.She has been a faithful member of Newnan Springs United Methodist Church, choir and the Wesley Sunday School Class. She loved helping everyone there whether it was food, healthcare or just a compassionate heart and shoulder to lean on.Patty was the most loving and caring daughter, sister, aunt and friend anyone could ever hope for.She was preceded in death by her father, whom she loved dearly, Max Stanton Rector; uncle, Jack B. Rector, paternal grandparents, Carl H. and Bessie B. Rector; maternal grandparents, James and Minnie Swinford.Patty is survived by her loving mother, Ted Lucinda Rector; brother, Captain James H. Rector (Rhonda); sister, Susan B. Rector; nieces and a nephew.Funeral services will be held noon Saturday, April 21, 2012 in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Lowery officiating.Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 3-7 p.m.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga.