Patsy Oden

Patsy Hulsey Oden, 74, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2014 surrounded by family at her son’s home in Dallas. She was born April 25, 1940 in Gorman, Texas to Ben and Mildred Hulsey and grew up in De Leon, Texas.

Patsy graduated from De Leon High School in 1958 where she was a cheerleader, varsity athlete, and class officer, and then attended Tarleton State College. She married James “Jamie” Oden in 1959 and they moved to Abilene in 1963. In those early Abilene years, Patsy assisted in establishing the family business, Sunbeam Cookies.

Patsy was warm, friendly and gracious. She enjoyed meeting and talking to people. She and Jamie could often be seen taking walks in the neighborhood where they lived for over 50 years, and they always stopped more than a few times along the way to visit. When Jamie retired, he and Patsy traveled the world together and, of course, the best part was the people they met along the way.

Patsy enjoyed being involved in her community. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, participating in many different ways over the years including teaching children’s Sunday school, attending the Joy Sunday school class, and assisting with the bereavement committee. She volunteered at Hendrick hospital for many years. Patsy was a member of the Abilene Mothers Study Club and several bridge clubs dating back to her earliest days in Abilene.

Friends and family were Patsy’s greatest joys. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she and Jamie frequently invited family and friends to their lake house in Brownwood. Patsy treasured her many long friendships, including classmates, bridge and social club members, neighbors, and Sunday school friends.

Remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Patsy always put others first, and was happiest when her children and grandchildren were happy. She was also a gifted cook known for her made from scratch cakes, pies and wonderful family holiday meals, which always included a favorite dessert for each family member.

Patsy is survived by her son David Oden and wife Eileen of Dallas, daughter Jennifer Misko and husband Jim of Dripping Springs, and grandchildren Amy Oden, Bryan Oden, Jacob Misko, and Nicholas Misko. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jamie” Oden and sister, Marjorie Click.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 18, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am Friday, December 19, 2014 at the funeral home with burial following in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Patsy’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church Bereavement Committee, 1333 N. 3rd Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 or the charity of your choice.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com