Patricia Ruth Francis THRASH

THRASH Patricia Ruth Francis, departed peacefully and comfortably at home, with her loving family at her bedside. She follows her beloved husband of 57 years, John Curtis Thrash, Jr., three and half years after his death. Patricia was a charismatic personality, full of life and laughter, and both the instant and enduring friend of almost everyone she ever met. She mentored countless young adults and children. However, the primary and enduring focus of her life was her family and most special was her devotion and dedication to her husband, John. Although grateful for the family and life they shared, Patricia's path these past few years since losing John can only be viewed by her surviving family members as the conclusion of a beautiful and compelling love story between two profoundly connected individuals. Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1931, Patricia was the only daughter of Elizabeth "Bessie" Caudill and Lawrence Francis, living most of her early years in her birthplace of Cincinnati, OH, with her two brothers Charles and Thomas. The family's business investments in the restaurant industry led to journeys across the United States, including a joyous and extended stay in Los Angeles, CA during Patricia's teenage years. When, as an attractive young woman in her late teens, her father moved the family to Penwell, TX, Patricia met a young petroleum engineer working nearby in drilling operations for Texaco. Patricia and John were married Dec 21, 1949 and shortly thereafter the couple began their family, first with their daughter Denise, then son John, then youngest daughter, Allison. Moving through several oilpatch communities including Midland, Odessa, Dallas and Oklahoma City, and after another period of service by John in the Navy during the Korean Conflict, the family finally settled in Houston. PPatricia and John had been happily married to one another for 57 years before John's death. They were blessed with a granddaughter, Meghan Patricia Thrash, with whom Patricia and John held a particularly close relationship. Patricia was a member, officer and director of numerous professional, civic and charitable organizations and boards. She financially supported many civic, medical and arts organizations and research efforts. Patricia briefly attended the University of Oklahoma studying Painting and Sculpture, and afterwards sold and displayed numerous works over the years, but her primary avocation was the study and research of Genealogy. She was a member of the Colonial Dames XVII Century, Colonel John Alston Chapter; National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Alexander Love Chapter; Texas Division National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons; Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers; Dames of Colonial Cavaliers; National Society United States Daughters of 1812; Texas Society of the United States Daughters of 1812; National Society Daughters of the American Colonists; Daughters of the American Colonists, La Salle Chapter; National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Texas Branch; Texas Society Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars. She ultimately became involved with many professional and educational organizations, museums and institutions, including the Kentucky Historical Society; Knott County Historical and Genealogical Society and Library; Clayton Library, Center for Genealogical Research; and many others meaningful to her. In addition to her three children and granddaughter, Patricia is survived by her brother, Dr. Charles E. Francis and many beloved family members and dear friends. The Family wishes to thank the following extraordinary individuals for their exceptional care given to Patricia in her time of need: John Volpi, M.D., Methodist Neurological Institute, and Madeline Domask, M.D., Village Family Practice; Svanhaniel Crim, R.N. and the compassionate staff of Houston Hospice; and her loving team of private caregivers: Yolanda Montero, Gabriela Amin, Marta Cerros, Damaris Vasquez, Rebeca Armendariz, Jose Zavala and Sean Berman. The children of Patricia will be forever grateful to Juan Carlos Popoca for the selfless, round-the-clock, diligent watch he lovingly maintained over her. Services will be held Mon, April 12, 2010, at 5pm at The Sanctuary at Unity Church of Christianity, 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers or similar expressions of condolence, the family requests that contributions be given, if desired, in the name of Patricia Ruth Francis Thrash to any of the following organizations: Lewy Body Dementia Association 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 Alzheimer's Association P.O.Box 96011 Washington D.C. 200906011 www.alz.org/donate Parkinson's Disease Foundation 1359 Broadway, Ste. 1509 New York, NY 10018 www.pdf.org">www.lbda.org Houston Hospice 1905 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 770304123 www.houstonhospice.org Alzheimer's Association P.O.Box 96011 Washington D.C. 200906011 www.alz.org/donate Parkinson's Disease Foundation 1359 Broadway, Ste. 1509 New York, NY 10018 www.pdf.org