Patsy Jane Lackey Heine Teltow

Patsy Jane Lackey Heine Teltow passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Seton Williamson Medical Center in Round Rock, TX. Born November 1, 1934 in San Saba, TX to William Rainey Lackey and Alenia Kathryn Ratliff, Patsy inspired everyone that knew her with her determination, her passion for life, and her enduring commitment to family and friends.

Growing up in the shade of the Lackeys’ pecan grove, Patsy overcame innumerable challenges as the youngest daughter of six. During her childhood, Patsy played an integral role on the family’s working farm. She helped harvest pecans, sewed clothing for her brothers and sister, and tended to the livestock. With her mother’s guidance, Patsy began to develop the exceptional culinary skills that she would perfect during her lifetime. She also learned to make her signature pecan pie, which was universally recognized as the best and most coveted dessert in San Saba County. She attended Pecan Grove Baptist Church with her family every Sunday.

At school, Patsy quickly demonstrated her inquisitive mind and aptitude for academic success. She immersed herself in self-improvement books and math equations. By the time she reached San Saba High School, Patsy had already established herself as a true woman of style, grace, and intellect. She dazzled her peers so much that her classmates voted her San Saba FFA Sweetheart. They honored her with the blue satin jacket, which she would wear for years to come. Throughout her life, Patsy set the standard for what Italians call “la bella figura,” always flawlessly dressed in a style that evoked her radiance, vitality, and glamour. Her favorite fashion colors were pink and red, which she wore with flair.

A true maverick, Patsy shattered barriers as one of the first members of her family to graduate from high school. She then moved to Austin, TX, where she became a long-time resident. Patsy’s scholastic prowess further equipped her to excel at Durham Business College in Austin. There she studied computer programming at night, while living at the YWCA and working by day at the Texas Health Department. Later, Patsy worked for the IRS and was eventually promoted to computer programmer for the Veterans Administration, a position she maintained for 20 years.

On July 4, 1953, Patsy married Eugene Grey Heine, an Austin Fire Department fireman. For many years, Patsy and Eugene danced through life together. Patsy was an accomplished ballroom dancer and loved to waltz and jitterbug across the dance floor on Saturday nights. The couple had four children: Jerry Gene, Alan Ray, Adrienne Ann, and Bobby Frank. Every summer, Patsy and her family could be seen camping, skiing, and splashing in Lake Marble Falls. They traveled to Colorado to see the Garden of the Gods, and to California to participate in the National Square Dance Competition. They also made numerous trips to Virginia Beach to visit family and enjoy the ocean. During their childhood, Patsy shared with her children her passion for life and her belief in living everyday to its fullest. In return, Patsy’s children always admired her for her individuality and incredible spirit. They also thanked her for her exquisite taste in music; Patsy introduced her family to George Strait long before he was named the King of Country.

Patsy and Eugene parted ways in 1982 and Patsy continued to seek out new hobbies and experiences. She handcrafted beautiful outfits for her daughter and granddaughter. She decorated scrapbooks and took photography classes. She even taught herself to email before many people knew what email was. And above all, Patsy spent as much time as possible with her children, never missing a family gathering, holiday, or graduation. No matter the occasion, she was always there and ready to have fun.

Patsy faced one of the biggest challenges of her life when an aneurysm ruptured in her brain in 1987. After surgery, 47 days in the ICU, and six months in rehab, Patsy triumphed over the tragedy and returned to her family with more faith, hope and love than ever before. Her bravery and strength were extraordinary. Her family would not have been surprised if when she reached the gates of heaven on that day, she demanded St. Peter give her more time. Patsy lived for 29 more long and loving years, and she certainly made the most of that time.

In 1991, Patsy met Jerrell Teltow at Riverbend Church in Austin, TX, and he fell in love with her strength and kind, compassionate heart. The couple married in 1993, and began their life together in Oak Hill with their dog, Molly. Patsy also welcomed new family members into her life and heart: Jerry’s daughters, son-in-laws, and granddaughters, as well as many of the Shriner community.

After a few years, the couple sought a change of scenery and moved to Clarksville, Arkansas. At the base of the Ozark Mountains, Patsy and Jerry lived in a beautiful home with a wraparound porch where they never missed a view of the sunset. They harvested fresh broccoli and other vegetables from their backyard garden. Patsy continued to cook and craft, while Jerry found an interest in genealogy. On weekends, they could be seen walking through the butterfly sanctuaries on Mount Magazine, working in their garden or visiting nearby relatives.

During that time, Patsy and Jerry also set out to travel to Europe. Patsy dreamed of drifting through the cobblestone streets of Paris like Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina. With Jerry at her side, Patsy strolled through the streets of the City of Love and shared her “joie de vivre” with fellow travelers and new friends. Patsy and Jerry also journeyed to Germany twice in order to meet Jerry’s relatives.

Patsy and Jerry later moved to Salado with their new dog, Shiba, to be closer to Patsy’s family in Austin and Cedar Park, and Jerry’s family in Fredericksburg and College Station. Patsy loved to shop with her daughter, Adrienne, and granddaughter, Courtney, at the nearby antique shops and department stores. As most people know, Patsy was the queen of shopping. During the summers, Patsy also spent countless hours on Lake Austin, encouraging her grandchildren as they learned how to swim, tube, ski, and wakeboard. Spending quality time with her grandchildren always brought Patsy great joy.

Most recently, Patsy settled with Jerry and Shiba in Burnet where they joined the First United Methodist Church and frequented the Bluebonnet Café. She regularly provided books to the children’s ministry at the church. Patsy and Jerry spent her last Thanksgiving with Jerry’s family in College Station. Then she spent Christmas visiting with Alan, Cathy, Greyson, Adrienne, Courtney, and Michael. She watched with pride as Greyson demonstrated his talent on the guitar and viola. She was also able to celebrate Adrienne’s birthday on December 28th where she laughed with family over a plate of bacon-wrapped dates and a glass of Chianti. Patsy lived out her final days with happiness and in the presence of family. We will always love and miss you, Patsy.

Patsy is preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister Erma; her four brothers Wade, Doug, Winston, and Fletcher; and her grandson Jesse Kyle Heine.

She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Jerrell Teltow; her son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Gene Heine and Elizabeth Heine of Virginia Beach, VA; her son and daughter-in-law, Alan Ray Heine and Catherine Ann Corona Heine of Austin, TX; her daughter and son-in-law, Adrienne Ann Marshall and Michael Dean Holt of Cedar Park, TX; her son, Bobby Frank Heine; her step-daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Rick Conner of Lyons, TX; her step-daughter, Connie Eckhardt of Fredericksburg, TX; step-daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Craig Peterson of College Station, TX; and her grandchildren, Rainey Kearson Heine, Courtney Jean Marshall, Michael Alan Holt, Greyson Lewis Heine, Jessica Eckhardt, Steffanie Eckhardt, and Kayla Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at Burnet First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 2 PM. Arrangements are entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 East Polk Street, Burnet, TX 78611. The family also asks that you say a prayer for hope, spend time with your loved ones, and make a toast to enduring love and friendships. That is what Patsy would wish.