Ken began her morning like any other. She woke with her husband Jeff of 31 years to tell him how much she loved him and goodbye for the day. She then laid back down, curled in the warmth of his side of the bed and fell back asleep. It didn't matter that it was the last time Ken said those words to him because each time she said them they were genuine and anything but routine. She had a special way of making every moment special and heartfelt. Ken made you feel like you were the only person in the world, and when you called on her, regardless of whether she was in the middle of caring for her grandson who she was wholly devoted to or working in one of her gorgeous gardens, it was as if time stood still and she dedicated herself to sharing that moment with you fully. She never uttered the words, "I have to go" or "I'm busy," yet she still managed to get everything on her plate accomplished and with pizazz. She truly lived in the moment and was unafraid of life. Embodying that spirit, Ken and Jeff regularly spent their evenings dancing under the stars on the pier at their home while the music played and not caring if anyone was watching. Because of the vivid way she lived each moment, she will continue to live on in us, the ones who will never be the same because of her love and genuine compassion.

She is remembered by her parents, Pat and Jane Patterson; husband Jeffrey Drinkard; daughter, Talor Stone; son, Logan Drinkard; her beloved grandson, Jaxon Drinkard and many others too numerous to count, both human and animal, who loved her.

Ken's memory will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

To honor her, we are requesting contributions to a memorial fund in her name. They can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church – Trinity Learning Center 3400 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 432-3505. Funds will be used to provide supplies for the children she dedicated herself to loving.