Erin Jean Patton

Erin Jean Patton, 42, of Goldendale, Wash., and formerly of Union, died peacefully Feb. 19 with her family by her side. A celebration of Erin's life will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at the American Legion in Carson, Wash. A potluck will follow the services.

Erin was born Jan. 10, 1967, to Ed Patton and Jackie Bacon (Patton) at Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Wash.

She loved the great outdoors including camping, fishing and long, vigorous walks. Erin had a special affection for animals as she spent much of her adolescence riding horses. Those who knew her say her laugh was contagious and she hugged with abandon.

An athlete, Erin swam, ran track, played tennis and competed in several marathons. Erin's greatest joy is her daughter Sidney Alexandra Hartley, aka Sid the kid. Sidney especially loved her mother's hair and eyes, or as Sidney describes them, "sunflower eyes." Erin had a gift for the personal handwritten note.

Erin is survived by her daughter, Sidney Hartley of Stevenson, Wash.; father, Ed Patton of Yakima; mother, Jackie Bacon of La Grande; sister, Lolah and her husband, Alan Lee, of Goldendale, Wash.; brother, Dan and his wife, Kacy Patton, of Chico, Wash.; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

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