Patsy Patton

An obituary for my mom. Prepare a simple culmination of a lifelong journey that spanned 9 decades onto one page? How can that be possible? I find myself at a loss, a huge hole in my life. Words struggle to flow from this broken heart. But this is not about those she left behind. We each, in our own ways, will remember different things. Over the years we accumulate photographs, letters, and images that are forever in our minds. Special times that belong to each of us who knew her in different ways. We recall those events as a way to hold onto better times. Those things help us as mere mortals to cope with such a loss. That loss is now for us to mourn, but the celebration is for her.
Patsy Ruth Patton joined hands with her savior, Jesus Christ, on February 17, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on December 5, 1929, in Fort Worth, Texas.  Patsy lived a life of abundant treasures which, to her, were being surrounded by family, friends, and pets. She married her childhood sweetheart (Bob Patton) whom she had met in 7th grade and their love story spanned over 60 years together. They had three children, Linda, Lorna, and Robby.
She graduated from Amon-Carter Riverside High School in Fort Worth, Texas where she was a cheerleader and played women's basketball. She worked at Fort Worth National Bank before she moved to San Antonio where she worked for Frost Bank and then retired from Broadway National Bank.
Patsy had a true "Gift-of-gab" and never met a stranger. She could literally talk to anyone and always had a cheerful infectious personality and lasting impression. Her sense of humor lit up a room and left laughter in the hearts of those around her. Those old jokes she told would be repeated and enjoyed for decades.
She and her husband, Bob, joined a camper club in the 80's and made many new friends as they explored new parks on the weekends. She would always say they had a blast. She had so many great stories and memories of those times together.
She pursued golf with her husband after she retired and never missed an opportunity to discover a new golf course. They played nearly every course in San Antonio. A few of those she never wanted to play again. "Those darn sand traps,"
She loved a good cheeseburger and a cold glass of beer. Worked a crossword puzzle every day. Loved old movies. Was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and had numerous hobbies later in life.
She was always there for her children, granddaughter and great grandson for every major event that she could possibly attend.
She maintained lifetime friendships with a treasured few until the end.
Patsy was simply a beautiful spirit that lived life well and met every challenge head on. A wonderful Christian who belonged to Community Bible Church for many years. Her faith guided her safely into Heaven where a new light shines bright as she surrenders her worldly burdens and is now at peace and reunited with so many she loved. Through the beautiful words of Lee Ann Womack and one of Patsy's favorite songs.... "I hope you dance."

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Bob and son Robby. She is survived by her daughters Linda, Lorna, Donna and Sharon, her granddaughter Christina and great grandson Curtis.

A poem from Henry Van Dyke:

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”

And that is dying.