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Patti Farris Cosner | Laura Austin Photo

Former Managing Editor of The News Review Dies

Patricia Louise Cosner transitioned from being in the hands of her Heavenly Father here on earth into the loving arms of her Savior in Heaven on July 2nd. She left this earth from her home here in Ridgecrest, attended by her loving family. 

  Patti, as she was referred to, played a significant role in this community during her lifetime. Being the mother of eight children and the wife of a busy doctor did not lessen her service to others. 

 Patti, for many years, was the Managing Editor for The News Review under the pen name Patti Farris Cosner. She has written millions of words in community news and features as well as recording history in several magazines that were published by The News Review. Patti was always careful that any information coming into the newsroom was processed properly. She was no respecter of persons; everyone was equally important to her. 

  Patti over time often cooked, washed dishes, served tables or whatever else the need might have been in the family-owned restaurants.   

 She was the vocalist for Big Band Express during the years when they often played for ballroom dances locally. She performed on the stage in many of the Broadway musicals presented by the Farris Family Players and was a lead soprano, singing in many performances in the community with the Farris Family Singers. 

  Patti had an early claim to fame when, shortly after high school, she was asked by Stan Kenton to sing with his Band when they played here at the Station Theatre in 1974. She sang “What are you doing the rest of your life?” The Stan Kenton Band was a world-famous jazz orchestra, from the 1940’s to the 1980’s.

   Patti has been referred to as an “angel” by not a few. One never heard an unkind word from her lips. 

   She married her Burroughs High School sweetheart, Larry Cosner Jr., soon after graduation. 

   Patti is survived by her husband, Dr. Lawrence Cosner Jr., her eight children, their spouses and their children. Her oldest son, Lawrence Cosner III and wife, Marla, their children: Cindy, Lawrence IV, and wife Amy, Daniel, Mallory and Holly. Her daughter, Rebecca Neipp and husband Timothy and their children: Timothy Jr, Christina, Gabriel, Peter, Nathan and Genevieve. Daughter Lisa and husband Eric Ledesma. Daughter Christina Scrivner and husband Zachary and their children: Zachary Jr, Robert, Patti Jean and Jacqueline. Son John Cosner and wife Kelly and their children: Daughters Madeline, Sarah, Erynn, and Emily.  Her son Justin and his children: Brooklyn and Isaiah. Her son Brian and wife Katherine. Her daughter Elizabeth and husband Jake Kanoa Gabrillo and their baby daughter Bonnie.

   Also, she is survived by her mother, Patricia Farris, brothers Paul and William, and sister Laura Austin.  Numerous nieces and nephews, too many to name here.  Patti’s and Larry’s children are all grown and five have remained in the community and taken up leadership roles. Their son, Justin, lives in Iowa and is a professor at the University of Iowa. Their daughter Lisa Ledesma lives with her husband Eric in Washington State. Their daughter Christina Scrivner lives with her husband Zachary and their children in Tehachapi, Ca.

   Memorial services will be held at the United Methodist Church, 639 N Norma St, Ridgecrest at 10am, Monday, July 4. A private graveside service will be held at the Desert Memorial Park.