Born in Seattle, Wisconsin, to Eunice and Raymond Patterson, Eunice graduated from West Seattle High School and majored in political science at ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó.
She met her husband, Bob, on a World War II troop ship, the St. Michael, en route to Alaska where he served in the army in the Aleutians, and she was in civil service at Fort Richardson in Anchorage. They were married on March 13, 1945, while Eunice was serving in the Women’s Army Corps, just before Bob was sent to Okinawa. After the war, they settled in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where Bob operated a delivery business and later did maintenance for the school system. Eunice had a bookkeeping and tax preparation business. For more than 60 years, she was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, serving on the board of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. She also was elected to the Rice Lake Board of Education, and served 12 years. Eunice led the League of Women Voters in a census to create a balanced city council, served with Lakeview Medical Auxiliary and the Golden K Club, and for more than 50 years was a member of the Fortnightly Club. She drew joy from her church and family, and loved reading and playing bridge.