Josie Rocha Patton

Josie Rocha Patton passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010 peacefully and surrounded by her family. She was born May 20, 1934 in Pecos, Texas. She was raised in Pecos, Texas with her 12 brothers and sisters. She attended Pecos High School and later married Phil Rocha of Mission, TX. Together they raised their family in Pecos, McAllen and then chose to settle down in Midland. Her husband Phil passed away in 1983 and Josie remarried Glenn Patton, who passed away last fall. Josie was very friendly and loved talking with friends and meeting new people. She was well known at Midland Memorial Hospital where she was employed for 20 years working with families who needed financial assistance. She was compassionate, kind and always treated families with respect. Upon retiring she worked at Dillard's department store. Always one to put family first, Josie quit her job at Dillard's so that she could be with her new granddaughter in Chicago. Josie was well liked and had many friends at the City of Midland Aquatic Center where she swam several times a week and enjoyed spending time with her friends and instructors in the Water Walking Class. She leaves behind a family who adored her daughters, Ellen Jayne Friday and husband Lance of Midland; Elizabeth "Lisa" Shydlowski and husband Michael of Chicago, IL; son, Homer James Rocha and wife Rosa of Jacksonville, FL; She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Philip Friday, Michael Friday, Mark Friday, Isabella Shydlowski, Sam Shydlowski, Jack Shydlowski, Jennifer Rocha, and great grand-daughter Christina Rocha. She also had four loving stepchildren, Marilyn Vela and her family Mark, Michelle and Mark, Jr. of McAllen; Frank Rocha and his family Marilou, Diane and Amy of Houston, Philip Rocha, Jr. and his family Mona, Phil III, Cynthia and Kathy of McAllen and Imelda Oehlstrom and her family Dave, Arthur, Dave Jr, Cyndi and the late Dawn Oehlstom of Cleveland, Ohio. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 10, 2010 at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbears will be, Mike Shydlowski, Lance Friday, Michael Friday, Mark Friday, Philip Friday, Uncle Art Granado, Homer James Rocha, and Frank Rocha. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, Josie's family would truly appreciate your considering making a donation to Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702. They were angels to our family during a very difficult time and mom would want them to be recognized in this way. We would also like to thank the following individuals, Sandy Leiker, Kelli Reavis, Christina Salazar, Dr. Helen Rhim and the many other doctors and Hospice volunteers at Midland Memorial along with all of our dear friends who cared for our mom and supported our family during this difficult time.