Patz, Mardell Elaine

Lived And Adventurous Life And Loved To Have Fun

  • Friday, May 16, 2025
Mardell Elaine Patz
Mardell Elaine Patz

Mardell Elaine Patz, 81, of Dunlap, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 11, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.

Mardell was born on Aug. 31, 1943, in Bottineau, North Dakota, to Lyle and Amelia Mabel McGarry (Baune). She cherished her family, friends, and pets, especially her beloved little dog, Corky. As the matriarch of her family, she brought warmth to everyone with a smile as big as her laugh and generous hugs for family and strangers alike.

Mardell lived an adventurous life, having spent her early years in Indiana before moving west to California, where she and her husband raised their children, eventually settling in Tennessee in her later years. She loved to have fun, and her hobbies included riding horses, playing cards and backgammon, and dancing.

Mardell was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Nelson Patz, her parents, and her siblings, Wilmer, Donna Mae, Myrna, Dion, and Richard, as well as her grandchildren, Kisha and Christopher, and her great-grandchild, Madison.

She is survived by her children, Vicky Whitaker, Velvet Norris, Lisa Landers, Elizabeth Rude and Wade Patz. Her grandchildren include Lo’Rae Hibbetts, Melissa Hibbetts, Letha Henderson, Brian Martin, Steven Martin, Johnny Norris, Joshua Norris, Michael Norris, Matthew Norris, Mark Norris, Kelly Booth, Joseph Strickland, Elaine Goins, Ryan Landers, Kayla Rude, Robert Rude, Thomas Patz, Lance Patz, Tamra Patz, and Devin Patz, along with numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at RedFox Service & Repair Inc. in Trenton.

The family requests that flowers be sent to RedFox Service and Repair Inc. for the service.

Arrangements are by the Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Suite B, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.

Obituaries
Kenneth “Kenny” Watkins
Kenneth “Kenny” Watkins
  • 6/22/2025

Kenneth “Kenny” Watkins, 69, passed away on June 16, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Born on June 29, 1955, to Robert Louis Watkins, Sr. and Valeria Jo Slaughter, Kenny’s life was marked ... more

Mary Charles Ford Parker
Mary Charles Ford Parker
  • 6/21/2025

Mary Charles Ford Parker, 95, of Chattanooga passed away on June 20, 2025. She was born on August 19, 1929, in Whiteside, Tn., to the late Charles and Clara Ford. Mary graduated from Marion ... more

Michael Lee West
Michael Lee West
  • 6/20/2025

Michael Lee West, 74, died June 8, 2025. He died peacefully at home with his partner, Debbie, at his side. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde West and Frances West. Mike is ... more