Patricia Lou Hilchey

Patricia Lou Litz Hilchey, or Pat as she preferred to be called, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family that loved her very much on April 8, 2025. Pat was born in Ashland, Kansas, March 16, 1936, and she was so proud to tell people that she was raised in Buffalo, Oklahoma, with the best family and friends! Pat was the beloved daughter of Verga Mae Crouch, and Walter Ward (Bud) Litz. For the first 11 years of her life, she was an only child and would often tell the story of how she prayed in her closet for a sibling until the birth of her brother Steve Litz, whom she proudly and lovingly called “baby brother” for the rest of her life. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1954 and always looked forward to the many happy memories she made when she returned for homecoming reunions.

Pat earned a degree from Oklahoma State University and began teaching “primary” school. Adventure soon called and Pat along with three other girlfriends moved to Carmel, California, to teach. It was there she met the love of her life, Bob Hilchey, a soldier stationed at Fort Ord. Bob never tired of telling the story of how they fell in love, a love story that would span continents and last more than six decades.

As a military family, Pat and Bob had the opportunity to live in many places, each one a new chapter in the life she built with Bob and their two children, Steven and Stacie. Some of the most memorable years were spent in Germany and Hawaii. In Germany, they embraced the rich culture, history and travel opportunities that came with living abroad. Pat loved experiencing the local traditions while making lifelong friendships with other military families. In Hawaii she especially enjoyed the island life, beautiful beaches, amazing food, and wonderfully warm people.

Their final military assignment brought Pat and Bob to San Antonio, Texas in 1971 where they continued building a life filled with faith, family and cherished memories. Pat always said that being a military wife taught her to be a strong woman and after Bobs three war time tours to Vietnam she was right. 20 years after serving their country, they would settle in San Antonio so their children could finish school without another major move.

Eventually, Pat and Bob moved to Bedford, Texas in 1985 where they lived for 34 years. Pat joined the Aggie Moms club and met the dearest friends who were like family as they became empty nesters together. Some of those special family friends are traveling a long way to attend her funeral, thank you for loving our mom so well!

As a faithful servant, nurturing Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Pat poured her heart into her church, loved to cook homemade noodles for her family and bake chocolate chip cookies for all her grandson’s sports games that she could possibly attend, and make special memories with her granddaughters in any way that she could. As a matter of fact "making memories" is a beautiful refrain in our family thanks to her. She also volunteered her whole life to various charities and mission work through the church. A highlight of her volunteer work was being a hostess to the girls in the Miss Texas pageants for 12 years. Always choosing to give back where she could, Pat was known for her warmth, hospitality, and unwavering kindness.

Pat was reunited in Heaven with her husband of 63 years, Robert George (Bob) Hilchey; and their precious grandson, Joshua (Josh) Pollard. She is survived by her children, Steven Hilchey and Stacie (Dan) Pollard; grandchildren, Mason, (Kathryn) Pollard, Kyle (Emily) Pollard, Faith Hilchey, and Laura Hilchey; great granddaughter, Josie Mae Pollard; brother, Steve (Teresa) Litz; nephew, Ryan (Carmel) Litz; niece, Shannon (Brandon) Cotter all from Oklahoma; nieces, Kellie Kinsman of California, Marie (John) Williamson of Oregon, and the late Cathie Kinsman, and the wonderful cousins that were her family!

A gathering to remember Pat will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East. All who knew Pat probably knew her favorite color to be pink so wear pink if you would like.

A lovely but brief (military efficient) funeral service will take place on Monday April 28, 10:45 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the phenomenal caregivers and hospice team especially Jeny, Claudia, Maria, Tirza, Patsy, Jazlin, Roberta, Moses, and all others from the JC Family team for their compassionate and dedicated care in Pat (and Bob‘s) final chapter.

In lieu of flowers … as her grandson lovingly said - who are we kidding, Granna loved flowers.

If there’s one thing that shines brighter than Pat’s love for her family, it would be her love for Jesus. Her relationship with Him through the power of the Holy Spirit and the faith, hope and love that comes as a result is what got her through the hardest and most tragic of times. She found joy in singing hymns and “making memories” with friends and loved ones while looking forward to the day she would be reunited with her beloved Bob in Heaven.

Pallbearers will be Mason Pollard, Kyle Pollard, Ryan Litz, Greg Mayberry, Connor Roy, and Brooks Roy.