Patsy Ann Gomez

Patricia Ann “Patsy” Gomez passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 21, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to Durward Bursby and Annie Mae Embrey.

Patsy was one of five children, with two older brothers and two younger sisters whom she loved dearly. Her childhood was abruptly shortened by tragedy when, at only 11 years old, a prowler entered the family home and shot and killed her father. That devastating loss was one of many trials Patsy would face throughout her life, but it also became part of the story of the extraordinary strength, courage, and determination that defined her.

At the age of 15, Patsy met Joseph “Jake” Ladd, who was 16. After dating for only two weeks, they married and began a life together. Over the next six years, they welcomed four children. Their life together was a true rags-to-riches love affair, built through hard work, perseverance, laughter, and an enduring love for one another. Jake passed away at the young age of 36, leaving Patsy to carry on and raise their family.

In 1978, Patsy married Johnny Gomez, a man she deeply loved and who embraced all of her tenacious ways. Together, they shared many years of life, love, and family.

Patsy loved to learn. She challenged herself to become a “jack of all trades,” and there seemed to be very little she could not figure out. She was an excellent bookkeeper for Jake’s business and later for the businesses of her son Joe and daughter Judy. She was creative and industrious, enjoying arts and crafts, puzzles, games with family and friends, yard work, and making upgrades to her home. She took pride in learning how to do things herself and was never afraid of a challenge.

Her dogs also held a very special place in her heart, providing her with the companionship and unconditional love she cherished.

But the greatest joy of Patsy’s days came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With them, she could let her playful side shine. She loved making mischief, sharing a laugh, listening to their secrets, and being the person they could always turn to. She was their confidant, friend, mentor, prayer warrior, and inspiration. She had a special way of making each generation feel loved, heard, and important.

Patsy will be remembered as a force of strength—a woman who endured profound loss and countless challenges yet continued to live with courage, determination, humor, and an open heart. She loved to laugh. She loved helping people. And she loved connecting people with others who could help them, encourage them, or simply bring more joy into their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Richard and Bobby, her sister Cathy, and her husbands, Jake and Johnny.

Patsy is survived by her sister, Linda Geter McCrory; her children, Joe Ladd and wife Bessie, Judy Spilker and husband Tom, Jim Ladd and wife Sue, and Janice Ladd; three stepchildren, Johnny Jr, Joey and Jackie Gomez; her grandchildren Janine Witherspoon and husband Kevin, Jayna Parks and husband John Paul, Jamie Krementz and husband Terence, Peter Touris, Jodi Brown and husband Danny, Jennifer Reed and husband Kyle, Amanda Ross and husband Brian, Sydnie Perkins and husband Josh, Julie Shank, Tim Ladd and wife Brittany, Tina Ladd, Bethany Ladd, Jonathan Ladd and wife Lindsey, Natalie Strahl, Dustin Skinner, Cooper Ladd, and Kennedy Ladd; over 35 grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of loved ones and friends.

Her legacy is not simply measured by the years she lived, but by the lives she touched, the people she helped, the laughter she shared, and the generations who will carry her love and lessons forward.

Patsy lived a life of courage. She loved fiercely, laughed freely, prayed faithfully, and never stopped finding ways to make life a little better—and a little more interesting—for the people around her.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes cards or donations made in her honor to your local puppy rescue or your home church.