Evelyn Joan Sutton, 91, of Bowling Green, Missouri, passed away surrounded by her loving family on June 25, 2026, at Avenir at Maple Grove in Louisiana, Missouri.

Joan was born on April 20, 1935, in Hyannis, Nebraska, to Ralph and Lottie (Korth) Stevens. She attended local schools with her siblings and later earned her teaching certificate.

Joan was first married to Jack Patterson, who preceded her in death. Two children were born to this union, Chuck Patterson and James Patterson of Bridgeport, Nebraska.

On June 1, 1957, Joan Stevens and Loren Sutton were united in marriage at the Congregational Church in Ashby, Nebraska. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and devotion, and were blessed with three children: Linda, John, and Joe.

Joan was an excellent homemaker and also worked for more than six years as a secretary at the Pike County Extension Center. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family meant everything to her. Joan and Loren never missed a game for their children or grandchildren and could always be found cheering loudly from the stands. She was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, a talented cook, and someone who made family dinners a cherished tradition.

Throughout Loren's career in the cattle business, Joan stood faithfully by his side. She assisted buyers and sellers at the sale barn in Bowling Green. Her family lovingly describes Joan as kind, generous, possessed of a servant's heart, and always busy caring for others.

Joan is survived by her children, Chuck and wife Sue Patterson of Mexico, Missouri, James Patterson of Bridgeport, Nebraska, Linda and husband Charlie Wright of Bowling Green, Missouri, John Sutton of Bowling Green, Missouri, and Joe and wife Ellen Sutton of New Hartford, Missouri; her grandchildren, Leslie (Steve) Niemeyer, Heather Norton, David Holmes, Jacy (Joe) Mahar, Justin (Amy) Patterson, Jake (Natalie) Patterson, Chad (Lily) Calicott, Alana Millinder, Alyssa Ruby, Derek (Berta) Wendel, Kaycee Sutton, and Lane Sutton; 19 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Jack Patterson; and her three brothers and two sisters.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Bowling Green Memorial Gardens on North Main Cross Street in Bowling Green, Missouri. Chris Gamm to officiate.

Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers, c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 701 N. Business Hwy. 61, Bowling Green, MO 63334.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest registry at www.mccoyblossomfh.com.