Heaven’s gates opened to receive Eunice Louise (Painter) Patterson on Oct. 30, 2011, following a long-term illness. She passed away peacefully while at Hospice House in Rapid City. Eunice was born on Sept. 4, 1932 to Maggie and Charles Painter in Springfield, Missouri. She attended school in Springfield and graduated from Drury University. She then went to work for the Missouri Department of Health. Eunice met her husband, Duane Patterson, on July 5, 1954 and they were married Dec. 1, 1954 at the Hamlin Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. The couple moved to South Dakota in 1959, where they have resided since. Including dedicating her life as a homemaker and caring for her children, Eunice held many valuable positions in the Rapid City business community. Eunice enjoyed dancing from a young age; and now she is dancing with her Lord and Savior for all Eternity. Eunice taught others that unconditional love and forgiveness could bring tremendous blessings to their lives. She loved her Lord and cherished her family. She will be deeply missed. Eunice is survived by her husband of 56 years, Duane; 3 children, David (Kelly) Patterson, Cheryl (Scott) Lewis and Dwight (Crystal) Patterson, all of Rapid City; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren with 1 great grandchild expected in March. She is also survived by 1 sister, Nadine (Bill) Hunkler of Marietta, Georgia. She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.