TERRE HAUTE - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Patricia Arlene Moreland Cottom. Patricia was better known to family and friends as Patty. Surrounded by her family, Patty lost her brave fight against esophageal cancer and passed on February 21, 2025.

Patty was born in Paducah, Kentucky on May 9, 1956, to parents Esther May Pennington and Forrest Hoover Moreland. Those who knew Patty would speak of her fearless determination. Nothing could stop her. Once after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, Patty showed her indomitable spirit by working tirelessly with weights and physical training to increase her bone mass, thus, defeating the osteoporosis.

Patty was never afraid to speak her mind. She never minced words and always told you how she felt. She could be relied upon to give sound advice and never lost an argument. Some might call her feisty, but she had a fierce and mighty spirit. She was especially fierce for injustice and human rights, believing all should be equal in this world.

Patty also had a gentle and loving spirit. She showed love by serving family and friends. Patty was a lover of animals and fondly missed her beloved dogs, Dusty and Bartley.

Patty gave back to her community. She was a foster parent. She even maintained a long-term relationship with Zeeke, one of her foster children. She volunteered for organizations such as Trees Inc., and Habitat for Humanity. In the middle of the pandemic, she even volunteered for the 2020 census.

Patty worked as an accountant for over 40 years. In her spare time, she was a Life Master in Bridge, she loved puzzles especially sudoku. Patty also enjoyed Jogging, and walking outdoors, especially with Dusty and Bartley. Patty managed to learn woodworking with longtime friend Mona and could always be found reading and learning new things. She loved traveling and seeing the world. She especially loved Seattle, Portland, Hawaii, Clifty Falls State Park, and Alaska - where she went with Aunt Barbara.

Patty is survived and deeply mourned by her loving Husband James Cottom; Daughter and Son-in-law Bethany and Mark Dimpfl; Grandkids Eva and Jude Hensley; Sister Penelope Overton; Nephew William Thorne, Wife Kate and their children Lucas, Ella, and Molly; Brother Forrest Moreland and Wife Ronda, Cousins Earlene Dalpozzo, and Husband Don, Paul Edward Merchant and wife Lenn, and Dennis Mitchell and wife Yvonne. Patty is preceded in death by Cousin Jay Merchant and her beloved dogs Dusty and Bartlety.

A celebration of life will occur on April 6, 2025, 12:30 pm in the Red Barn at Sycamore Farm, 5001 E. Poplar St., Terre Haute, IN. Please bring your memories and stories of Patty to share. Following the celebration, weather permitting, there will be a memorial walk in Dobbs Park which was Patty's favorite park. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Trees Inc.

Visit https://www.treesinc .org/ and click on Get Involved.