Patricia Eline

Patricia Ann Shirley Eline, age 74, of Pearland, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024 at her home, surrounded by family. She was born on August 4, 1950 in Falfurrias, Texas, to Homer Clifton Shirley, Jr. and Julia Helena Justine Janak Shirley.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Anthony Eline; her siblings David Clifton Shirley, James Melvin Shirley, Homer Clifton Shirley, III, and Dora Lillian Shirley; grandson Liam Taylor Ruff and great nephew Galen Secor.

She is survived by her children, Paul Anthony Ruff (Lisa Mosel Ruff) of Port Aransas, TX, Julia Christine Lorenz (Todd Lorenz) of Pearland, TX, Charles Jason Ruff (Juliette Lyke) of New Bern, NC, and Sarah Shirley of Winters, CA; her siblings Tom Shirley (Susan McCorkle Shirley) of Merritt Island, FL, Fred Shirley (Cynthia Walker Shirley) of Marietta, OK and Beth Kershaw Shirley of Chatham, NJ; and her first husband, Charles Edward Ruff of Converse, TX.

Pat was a beloved Gramma to Henry, Beau and Vivienne (Todd and Julie), and Granna to Liam, Daphne and Corbin (Charlie and Juliette), and Harvey and Winston (Sarah). Her grandchildren brought her great joy.

Aunt Pat was dearly loved by her nieces, Paala Anderson Secor (Tim), Heather Shirley Goddard (Justin), and nephews Jacob Shirley (Jessica Doyle), Gamble Anderson (Lauren Ascolese) and Jarryd Shirley; and great nieces and nephews Paaloma, Amelie, Quint, Evar, Galen, Fennec, and Milena (Paala and Tim); Lily and Alice (Jacob and Jessica); and Holden and Darwin (Heather and Justin).

Pat was a good friend to all, and was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way she could. She enjoyed traveling across the U.S. in her R.V. The phrase "the mountains are calling and I must go" fit her to a T. She enjoyed Willie Nelson concerts, sewing, bird watching, hiking, road trips, baking, and sweets. She insisted she was going to make fudge for us all just before Christmas. We will all miss her cinnamon rolls.

Pat helped many in her career at the Area Agency on Aging at the Council of Governments in Corpus Christi, TX. She thoroughly enjoyed helping her clients, was deeply touched by their plight, determined to do all she could on their behalf. Pat also worked in accounting, after putting herself through school and earning her AA while raising her kids as a single mom. As kids in the 1980's, we remember her working 3 part time jobs and going to school, warning us to leave her alone because she had to study, and she was "on the warpath".

In 1990 on her 40th birthday, Pat moved from Aransas Pass, TX to Colorado Springs, CO. The mountains were calling, and she went. She thoroughly enjoyed living in CO, and her life was forever changed when she met a truck driver named Bill. She returned to Texas to help care for her mother, a choice she never regretted. Bill, a wonderful man of very few words, proposed by sending an engagement ring via FedEx. Upon her acceptance of the ring, he followed her to Texas and they were married in 1993. We were all very happy to welcome Bill into our lives, wishing he had come along sooner. We still grieve his passing in 2014, and will always miss his pies and his quiet humor.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Trinity Oaks of Pearland and the Red Team of Houston Hospice. Everyone involved in Pat's care treated her with dignity and respect, often going out of their way to accommodate Ms. Pat and her wishes. She was well known to them for her fierce independence, determination, and strength of mind.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 10:00am at St. Anne Catholic Church, located at 2140 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098. A reception will follow in St. Basil Hall in the Parish Center. In the future, a small graveside service will be held in Littlestown, PA, where Pat will be laid to rest with her beloved, Bill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Parkinson's Foundation, St. Anne Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice. Another way to honor Pat would be to spend some time with the residents of an assisted living center, bringing joy to others.

Patricia Ann Shirley Eline's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the love and memories she leaves behind.