Patricia Paxton

Patricia Paxton died in Medford, OR on May 9, 2021. She was born on January 19,1934 in Bagley, Iowa to Richard E. Derry and Mary Helen Whistler.  Her family moved to Oregon in the 1940's and started farming in the Klamath basin.  She was the 2nd oldest of 5 siblings.  She went to Henley Elementary school, and then to Bonanza High school. 

She married Howard G. Schmidt in 1950.  They worked on the family farm in Bonanza, OR.  They had 2 children, Debra Lynne Shafer, and Michael Howard Schmidt who was adopted by James Paxton and changed his name to Michael James Paxton.  She was active in the community:  she was the secretary for the Bonanza Cemetery for a few years, a girl scout leader,  a bus driver for the school, and was a volunteer for the Bonanza Fire department.  She was involved in Eastern Star in Malin, OR and was grand matron for one year.  She created wedding cakes for people in the community, crocheted and quilted baby quilts for family and friends.  She also was a seamstress and made clothes for her and her daughter. 

She divorced in 1969, and moved to Klamath Falls, OR and started working for Weyerhauser Lumber company.  She met James Paxton in 1970 and they married in August of that year.  He had 3 children, Melody Scott, Kenneth Paxton and Pamela Paxton-Sowa.  She worked hard at creating a blended family.   They enjoyed camping and gardening- being known for their onions, garlic and sauerkraut.  She taught many ladies the art of gardening and canning.  She was active in her church and enjoyed being a homemaker. 

She had a firm belief in Jesus Christ as her Savior and tried to live her life as He would have wanted her too. 

Jim Paxton, died February 12, 2018.  She stayed in Klamath Falls and their home for one year, then moved to Medford, OR to be closer to her son and daughter.

Survivors are her 5 children: Melody Scott, Kenneth Paxton, Debra Shafer, Pamela Sowa and Mike Paxton.  She has 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. 

Viewing will be at O'Hair-Wards Funeral Chapel on Pine street from 2-5:00pm on Thursday the 13th. 

Graveside services will be held at Bonanza Cemetery on Saturday the 15th at 12:00 noon. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Abundant Life Church on 4273 Bristol Ave, in Klamath Falls.