PATTEN, Sandra Jean (Rizzuto) - b. May 3, 1964 - d. June 21, 2026

[patyrn]

Sandra Jean (Sandy) Patten, age 62, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 21, 2026.  Sandy was born on May 3, 1964 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Charles Leo and Lorraine Jean (Siuta) Rizzuto.

Sandra worked many years as a CNA at both Twilight Manor in Howard, Kansas and Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, Kansas.  Helping others was an important part of her life.  When not working, Sandra enjoyed going fishing, hunting for special rocks, traveling, and archeology.  She also enjoyed painting, going dancing, and singing karaoke.

After several years of dating, Sandy married Kenneth Henderson on June 15, 2013, and he survives at their home.  Sandra loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her friends.

Including her husband, Kenneth, Sandra is survived by her children, Michael (April) Patten of Carr, Colorado, Claudia Patten of Caney, Kansas, Joseph Patten of Colorado, and Justin (Britini) Rizzuto of Baytown, Texas; her siblings, Charles Joseph (Sandi) Rizzuto of Idaho Springs, Colorado, Lauriann Marie (Ralph) Lange of Copan, Oklahoma, and Mary Robin Newmaster of Copan, Oklahoma; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Chad Newmaster.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Memorials in her honor have been suggested to the Chautauqua County Humane Society and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)