Frances Patton

Frances Angela Smolik Patton passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the Friendswood Health Care Center in Friendswood, Texas. Frances was born on September 24, 1920 in Hallettsville, Texas to Bessie Natardus Smolik and Louis L. Smolik.

Frances grew up in the Hallettsville and Victoria areas, treasuring the opportunity to nourish her familial relationships. She was employed by the Bell Telephone Company during World War II and met the love of her life, Jerry L. Patton, who was stationed at Foster Field during this time. Her sister, Emily, introduced them at a dance. Frances was an exceptional cook. She baked heavenly coffee cakes, homemade strudel, delicious potato salad, and many other recipes which were favored by her family. Frances would assist her sister, Emily Buckert, the author of The Good Taste Collection, test recipes and served as her assistant in setting up the presentations for Emily’s articles. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Altar Society for many years. Frances always found great pleasure in participating in water aquatics with the Aqualina’s at the YMCA in Victoria and playing Scramble and other board games brought her great pleasure.

Frances also enjoyed traveling in their trailer throughout the Southwest and along the coast of California with her beloved Jerry, partner of 73 years, it was an experience Frances loved. She was employed at F.W. Woolworth for 25 years. Being the oldest child of nine in the Smolik family, Frances will be remembered as a wonderful anchor. She treasured her family with the highest regard and being around them provided loving memories which enriched her life greatly. She will be missed!

She is survived by her two children, Dennis R. Patton of Friendswood, Texas and Judith Patton Crane of Irvine, California; grandchildren, Melissa McDaniel, Zachary Patton, James Tate Patton, Kristin Farnsworth and Jill Riske; great grandchildren, Piper Adams, Ava Adams, Adelaide Adams, Yardley McDaniel, Alexis Gabbard, Haley Patton, Paige Patton, Charles Farnsworth, Molly Farnsworth, and Scarlett Riske; sister, Emily Buckert; brother, Jay Smolik of Sunnyvale, California; Louis L. Smolik of Corpus Christi, Texas; Leslie Smolik of Victoria, Texas, and Luke Smolik of Inez, Texas.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Lockard Patton; son, Roy Mark Patton; sisters, Bessie Adams and Mary Ohrt, and brother, Patrick Smolik.

A Rosary will be recited 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at Colonial Funeral Home with a Memorial Service to begin at 11:30 am, followed by a reception for family and friends. Burial will be held in Resurrection Cemetery at a later time.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Altar Society.