Patricia Elizabeth Mentzel Robinson

Patricia Elizabeth Mentzel Robinson, 80, was born on August 2, 1946, to the late Albert Patrick Mentzel and Lillian G. Brown Mentzel. Patricia went home to be with God and Ronnie, on October 4, 2026; she left us gracefully in her sleep. She was a resident of Newton, North Carolina. Patricia was a member of First Methodist Church in Conover, NC.

In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ronald Lee Robinson Sr. (Poppa Ron).

Patricia is survived by her son, Ronald “Pete” Robinson and wife Phyllis; grandchildren, Jesse Robinson, Evanna Hall and husband Lamar, Sydney Phillips and husband Kyle, and Travis Hudson; and great-grandchildren, Alex Robinson, Elizabeth Robinson, Ivory Hall, Maxwell Hall, Myles Phillips, and Lucy Phillips.

A celebration of life will be held at 11am, Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home with Pastor Charmaigne Van Rooyen officiating. Following the service, a gathering will be held for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers memorials, donations will be made to First Methodist Church, 410 First Ave N, Conover, NC 28613.

Nanna Pat, Pat E, or just good old Momma, started her life in the suburbs of Catonsville MD. Nineteen forty-six was the beginning of the baby boomers and little Patricia started her life at 505 Maryland Avenue with a great network of family within walking distance from her house. Her grandparents were 2 doors down, and Aunt Catherine was across the street. Aunt Catherine was a magnificent influence on Patricia, because her parents divorced and she lived with her dad (Pop) 95% of the time. Pop did his best to give her a proper upbringing, but nothing takes the place of Momma. She attended St. Marks Catholic School in Catonsville; this always starts with Sister John Rebuff, our first-grade teacher. Good Story...ask Pete for the details.

Patricia moved on to her business school because she graduated one year early from High School. The Bryn Mawr business school led her to her job at C&P Telephone company where she met her lifelong friend, Miss Dale. They stayed in contact with each other for 60 plus years. Patricia had the motivation to accomplish the milestones of life because she grew up in tough times and wanted the American dream; family, kids and a good husband was a priority. She loved her family and her mended relationship with her mother. One day out of the blue, her mother calls and says, there’s this guy at work (Westinghouse) I would like you to meet. His name is Ronnie and he is very handsome. Knowing Patricia or Pat E, this probably took 3 hours of prep time to get ready for this blind date. She was a planner. Ronnie and Patricia married in 1965. The American dream continued with new house plans and a baby on the way. Living the city life in Catonsville, MD was OK, but the family gatherings at the Little Short Hunting Club in Kirby, West Virginia were the best weekend retreats. Pat loved the beach trips to Ocean City and visiting the family in Texas and Ohio. Life was good at 503 Maryland Avenue, next door to her Pop.

Ron and Pat moved to the country in Woodbine, MD and enjoyed life in Carroll County for 23 years. She always enjoyed baking and cooking for the family. Pat could whip it up in the kitchen. Oh, and she loved her ice cream. Woodbine was just around corner from Sykesville so spending quality time with Pat A was always in the works. They could spend hours on the phone and sit next to the campfire and gab all night; Pat A was the sister she never had. In 2005 Ron retired and they decided to move to Newton, North Carolina to start a new chapter in the life of retirement with Pete and his family. The country life down south was her cup of tea, or maybe 12 cups of tea… LOL. As long as she could make it to Belk and JC Penney, she was happy. Pat loved to shop and getting that good deal was her priority. Pat had a science on getting good deals. She would tell Ron; look I paid half price, so I bought 2, that was a deal. She fibbed a little and only showed him 2 items, when she really bought 4. See the scientific thinking process! LOL. Family barbeques, watching the grandkids play sports, vacations to the beach, cruising to Alaska with Mel, and the big trip out west with Pete and Phyllis was her favorite. Poppa Ron passed away in 2023. He was the love of her life and losing him completely broke her heart. Pat was tough and pushed through the tough times. She started attending First Methodist Church of Conover and regained a new family of friends; that was the high light of her week. She always arrived 30 to 40 minutes early to chat with all her buddies. The real reason she got there early was to get rock star parking. LOL. Sometimes life leads you in odd directions but finding love with God will always mend the heart. She absolutely loved everybody at church. The list would be a mile long but special thanks to Paster John, Ralph and Trish, Dana, Anita and Jr., Kim and Stan, and Charmaigne. The plan going forward was to build the house in Ocean City, MD and move up with Pete and Phyllis. Pat said get it built and I will move on in, just have room for all my stuff… OMG. And don’t ask Pete for the details. Again, nothing takes the place of your Momma. Pat finally took a trip to Ocean for 80th birthday in August and enjoyed the celebration. She got to witness the pouring of the foundation for the new house. Yes, this was really happening, so you better get packed up! Pat lived the American Dream, and she did it her way because you weren’t telling her how to do it. Trust me, she did it her way. Pat is living the Dream again, reunited with Poppa Ron and rest of her family. Lord, please take care of Patricia. Momma is very special.

Condolences may be left at www.willisreynoldsfh.com.

The Robinson Family is under the care of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.