Nellie Laura VanPattenAge: 98 • WaynesboroNellie Laura VanPatten, 98,of Waynesboro passed away peacefully at her home on January 21, 2017, after a brief illness.Laura was born on July 15, 1918 in Portland, OR to the late Emond and Maude Coffey. She married John R. Van Patten in 1945 in Vallejo, CA, and shortly afterward, the couple moved to Schenectady, NY. In 1955, John's employer transferred the family to Waynesboro, where Laura raised her two children, taught nursery school, and was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church and its women's circle.Laura loved children, and she was always happiest babysitting for friends and neighbors. She was an avid knitter who made many baby blankets and caps for her friends and their families. She enjoyed traveling, visiting almost every state as well as England, France, and Germany.Laura is survived by her son, John E. VanPatten of Waynesboro; her daughter and son-in-law, Catherine C. VanPatten and Jeffrey Osier of Chicago, IL; her sister, Pat Richardson of Portland, OR; her sister-in-law, Jeanette Coffey of Vallejo, CA; her step-grandchildren, Greg Osier of Riverside, IL, and Rachel Lindley of Dallas, TX; her beloved great-grandsons, Rhett, Theodore, and Dashiell Lindley; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John; her brothers, Henry "Bud" Coffey and Robert Reilly; and her stepmother, Gladys Coffey.A memorial will be conducted on Saturday, February 11,2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church, 601 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980 . All are welcome to attend and celebrate Laura's long and love-filled life.In lieu of flowers, please support the food pantry or preschool at Main Street United Methodist Church.Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.