Patricia "Patsy" Benoist Ottoman

Patricia (Patsy) Benoist Ottoman, 93, died peacefully at home February 5, 2021, with her loving husband Jim at her side.

Patsy was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1927, at the home of her grandmother in Dunsmuir, California. She grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1945.

She was a popular classmate and graduated with academic honors, citizenship awards and a scholarship to Oregon State College where she majored in pharmacy. At OSC she joined Sigma Kappa sorority, served as president of the sophomore women’s honor society and was an active member of Talon women’s service honorary. 

Patsy met Jim, a Malin boy, when they were in high school and it was love at first sight. They shared their first dance at the Armory the night they met, and then Patsy went to college and Jim joined the Army Air Corps. They were married August 31, 1947, and moved to Malin where they farmed and raised their family.

Patsy continued to be involved in community service and was always quick to volunteer at school, helping with grade school vaccinations, school plays and programs, and baking cupcakes for class parties. She served as 4H and Campfire Girls leader, Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls, and served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary seven times. Among her other activities, too numerous to name them all, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Patsy gave tremendous support to her husband with his involvement in agriculture and water issues. In 1974, after 27 years of farming and service to their community, the Ottoman family was named National Farm Family of the Year.

Most of all, Patsy was a loving mother and wife. Nothing was more important to her than her family and she was always available with a laugh, a hug and a promise to always love you no matter what. She is missed every day by her husband Jim and children Kristi Steber of Prineville, Jim (Gail) Ottoman of Malin, and Dana (Wade) Martin of Bend; grandchildren Ryon, Lesley, Cody, Seneca, Lacey and Dusty; 9 great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

A memorial service for Patsy will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Malin Community Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will follow at the Malin Community Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made in Patsy’s honor to Malin Community Service Club, PO Box 133, Malin, Oregon 97632.