Patsy Ruth Pope

Patsy married the love of her life, Thomas E. Pope, in Fort Smith, AR. They were married 67 years before Tom’s passing on December 7, 2021. They had two children, Thomas (Tommy) R. Pope, and Tammy Renee (Pope) Belk.

Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and sisters (she was the last surviving sibling), her husband Thomas (Tom), Tommy, her firstborn, and one Grandchild, Brandon Pope. Patsy is survived by her loving daughter Tammy, who is married to Ray Belk; her daughter-in-law, Cecil (McDonald) Pope; 5 Grandchildren (Matthew, Sarah, and Ben Pope, who is married to Mercedes “Sadie” Pope; Jon Belk who is married to Michelle (Henderson) Belk; and Lauren (Belk) Young who is married to Charlie Young) and 7 Great Grandchildren (Lucas Tyler, Audrey Ann, Cooper Andrew, and Peyton Marie Pope, children of Ben and Sadie Pope; and Molly Joy, Juliet Lee, and Evan Wade Belk, children of Jon and Michelle Belk).

Patsy always enjoyed visits by her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. They affectionately called her Grandma. She loved and was devoted to all of her family.

Patsy was a wife, mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. Even though she never served in the military, she served her country in a different way. She was a devoted wife to a 30-year veteran who fought in 2 wars, Korean and Vietnam. It was not an easy task for her regarding her husband Tom being in the Army for 30 years. When he was fighting in wars, she constantly worried if her husband and the father of her 2 children would return home alive. She did everything necessary for her 2 children, especially unconditional and unending love for her children.

Even though Mom never officially worked, she was an excellent full-time wife, mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She always made time for her family, friends, loved ones, and pets. She dearly loved animals and taught her family her love for animals. The family always had pets in their lives, all dogs except for one cat and one hamster. She taught her family how to respect everyone, no matter their age, race, or ethnicity.

Mom loved playing Pinochle, collected Hummels and crystal, loved cooking for all her family and friends, and enjoyed German white wine. She was a supportive wife and mother in all the different endeavors her husband and children chose to get involved in.

Mom loved playing many sports, softball, bowling, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, field hockey and roller skating (during her younger years). She was always excellent in whatever sport she played. While roller skating in Fort Smith, AR, is how she met her husband, Tom.

Not only did Mom love playing sports, she loved watching sports on TV and many times went to see football and baseball games in person. She loved the Green Bay Packers and Arkansas Razorbacks but was an avid Houston Astros fan. At one point, Mom probably knew more about the Houston Astros than any sports announcer.

Before she was not able to read anymore, Patsy was a fervent reader of books and many other things. Even though she did not attend college, she was very intelligent and kept up with all current events.

Patsy loved listening to music. Some of her favorites were classical, Ray Conniff, Neil Diamond, Three Dog Night, Celtic Thunder, and yes, even Liberace.

There are so many wonderful things about Patsy being left unsaid. She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed tremendously.

The viewing and funeral service will be held at Crawford Bowers – Temple, TX. Viewing is Thursday, December 21, from 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Crawford Bowers-Temple, on December 22, starting at 1:30 p.m. After the funeral service, there will be a police escort to Bellwood Cemetery in Temple. There will be a graveside service at the cemetery.