Dorothy Elizabeth Meetze Van Patten, 95, of Columbia, died Monday, March 18, 2024. Born February 21, 1929, in Columbia, she was a daughter of the late Hollis Vernon Meetze and Annie Mae Swygert Meetze.

Mrs. Van Patten grew up in Columbia and graduated from Columbia High School. She later attended The University of South Carolina where she earned her bachelor's degree and master's degree in education. At the beginning of her career, she taught business and math courses at Columbia High School and Brookland Cayce High School. After relocating to Greenville, SC, with her family, she taught middle school math at Greenville County schools. Ultimately, Mrs. Van Patten would retire as an executive bookkeeper after a rewarding career with various businesses in the Greenville area. She loved animals, especially her cat, Midnight, and enjoyed gardening. She was a longtime member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Columbia, where she was both baptized and married. Her greatest joy in life was her family, which she cherished with all her heart.

Survivors include her daughter, Charlene Annie Van Patten of Columbia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hanson Van Patten.

The graveside service for Mrs. Van Patten will be held at 2 o'clock, Tuesday, March 26th at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29201. Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 140 Stoneridge Dr #640, Columbia, SC 29210 or Ascension Lutheran Church, 827 Wildwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29203.