NORTHPORT — Gari Patterson Oxton, 89, of Northport, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 9, 2024, peacefully in Hospice at Waldo County General Hospital after a lengthy battle with Dementia.

Gari was born to Frank, Sr., and Margarite "Peggy" Patterson on May 7, 1934 in Belfast, Maine. She married the love of her life, Richard E. Oxton, Sr., on February 2, 1952. They raised four children in Northport, where she lived the rest of her life. 

Gari was an active member of the Belfast First Baptist Church, serving on the Women's Fellowship and the Christian Education Board, teaching Sunday School, and serving as Church Treasurer for 25 years. She also enjoyed being one of the church's Golden Girls. 

While her children were in school, she was active on the PTG at Northport School. She worked as a school cook while her children were young. She also worked in the meat department at First National Grocery Store in Belfast. Gari worked as a bookkeeper at State Sand and Gravel, Inc., while helping her husband, Richard, run it. Upon his death in 1993, she became CEO, in a male-dominated industry, and excelled. 

Gari is survived by her children, Debora Riley and husband Walter "Frank", Susan Wood, Richard Jr. Oxton and wife Delores, and David Oxton and wife Colleen; her grandchildren Frank E. Riley and wife Andrea Murphy, Jaime Maresh and wife Cat, Henry Littlefield, Brandon Oxton significant other Michelle, Cassandra Anderson and husband Robert; her great-grandchildren Hunter Maresh and girlfriend Anna, Brayden Oxton, and Mason Oxton; as well as her brother Frank Patterson Jr.; her brothers-in-law Keith Grant and Robert Cook; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Gari was predeceased by her parents; husband of 41 years, Richard Sr.; siblings Beverly Grant, Marilyn Cook, Gale Knowlton; and son-in-law Neal Wood. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her beloved Church: Belfast First Baptist Church, Building Maintenance Fund, 95 High St., Belfast, ME, 04915.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Belfast First Baptist Church. A reception will follow downstairs in the church vestry, provided by The Women's Fellowship. 

The family wishes to express gratitude to Private Home Care owners and caregivers Carol, Ellen, Trish, Faye, Jenny, Linda, and Tracy; as well as Home Instead Cheryl, Cathy, Jenny, Sue, Kim, Connie Nancy "Kitty", and Kelsey. With their help and care, she could stay in her home for four and a half years. Special Thanks to the doctors, nurses, CNA’s, and therapists at the emergency department and second floor at Waldo County General Hospital, as well as the Hospice Care she received. You were so kind and gentle with Gari and her family. You have a special place in our hearts. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com