Patsy Ruth Bishop

Patsy Ruth Bishop, age 79 of Oklahoma City, passed from this life on Sept. 14, 2019. Services have been entrusted to the care of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services located at 7720 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 from 12-8pm and a funeral service honoring her life will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 at 2pm at the funeral home.

Patsy was born on July 9, 1940 in Lindsey, OK to Thomas Alton and Bernice Pauline (Stanton) Lentz. She spent a few years in Arkansas before returning to the OKC metro area. The family purchased a home near the OKC Stockyards and Patsy attended Westwood Elementary, Jackson Jr High School, and Capitol Hill High School.

Following her schooling, Patsy took a job as an elevator operator at the Biltmore Hotel in OKC. It was there that she met her first true love, Elvis Presley. Things did not work out with Elvis and in the late 60’s she married Vancie “J.D.” Thomas. Patsy and J.D. were married for over a decade and had two wonderful children: Sandra Ann Thomas and Randal Van Thomas.

In 1968, Patsy married the true love of her life, Billy Edward Bishop. Patsy and Bill had three children: Rondal Eric Bishop, Ryan Edward Bishop, and CinCynthia “Cindy” Lynn Bishop. They spent nearly 30 years together before Bill’s passing in 1995.

Patsy took a job as an elevator operator with the Hightower Hotel, which later became the Sheraton Hotel. She was employed as a meat cutter at the local farmers market for a short time in the mid 60’s before accepting a position as a food inspector for Hormel Foods in OKC. In the mid-1980’s she worked as a cashier at the IGA at 36th and Western and the Community Thrift Store on S. Penn before retiring in 2001.

Patsy Bishop was an independent and ornery woman. She was as stubborn and opinionated as she was caring and protective. Patsy did life her way, and you did too, if you knew what was good for you. She had a tough exterior but was always there to help raise other family member’s children and she oftentimes fed many of the neighborhood kids. Patsy enjoyed crocheting blankets and potholders for her family, camping, gardening, playing with the Hot Wheels Track, and spending time with her family. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by her kids and grandkids. Patsy left an unmistakable mark on the lives of those around her. She was a protective mother, a caring sister, a proud grandmother and a loving great grandmother. Patsy will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Bernice Lentz; husband Bill Bishop, son Ronnie Bishop; daughter Sandra Thomas; granddaughter Stephanie Lynn Bishop; and a brother Thomas Lentz.

She is survived by her three children: Randal Van Thomas and wife Deanna, Ryan Edward Bishop and wife Mary, and Cindy Bishop; grandchildren: Rachelle Kappler and husband Zachary, Randal Van Thomas II and wife Kimberley, Sherry Velasco and husband Victor, Chelsea Bishop and David, Rashena Kelley and husband Timothy, Justin Hopkins and wife Samantha, Bradley Bishop, Billy Bishop, and Allin Bishop. Great grandchildren: Payden, Liam, Callum, Deanna Sue, Ryleigh, Thomas, Emma, Zane, Nathaniel, David, Carter, Klaiten, Madylynn, and Aries. She is also survived by her two sisters: Patricia Ann Woolery and Deborah Lozano; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved family members.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at advantageokc.com