Patsy Ruth Salmon

Patsy Ruth McSpadden Salmon entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 7, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on June 6, 1929, in Harlingen, Texas to Evelyn and James McSpadden, Patsy lived a long, rich life marked by joy, friendship, family, and an unwavering devotion to serving others in the love of Christ.

Patsy married the love of her life, Clifton W. “Sonny” Salmon, on January 18, 1945, in Grandfalls, Texas. The young couple began their life together in the Humble Camp, also known as the Sandhills Camp, where Sonny worked for Humble Oil Company. In 1955, they settled in Crane, Texas, where they raised their family and built a life filled with community, hard work, and hospitality.

Patsy worked for 18 years in the Crane school district cafeteria. She later served as bookkeeper for the family business, SRS Corporation, until 1991.

She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas, where she attended for many years and cherished her beloved Sunday School class. In the later years of her life, Patsy dedicated herself to visiting shut-ins and residents of nursing homes, bringing comfort, companionship, and the light of Christ to those who often felt forgotten. Every Friday for many years, she could be found faithfully making her rounds, demonstrating her kind heart and servant spirit.

Patsy had a special gift for connecting with people—she never met a stranger and was always ready to share a smile, a story, or a laugh. She loved to sew, travel with Sonny and friends, and most of all, spend time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sonny, her parents Evelyn and James McSpadden, and her brother Willard McSpadden.

Patsy is survived by her loving daughters, Karen Manahan and husband Carl, and Janis Southerland and husband Fred; her grandchildren Suzanne Phillips and husband Will, Randall Robinson, and Cary Lea Dobbs and husband Spencer; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Conner Dobbs, Sierra Dobbs, Mandy Dobbs, and Jake Phillips.

Her legacy of love, faithfulness, and service will live on in the lives of all who knew her. Patsy’s family rejoices in the knowledge that she is now in the arms of Jesus, and they are forever grateful for the incredible example she set as a wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful friend.

A graveside service for Patsy will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 6801 E BL 20, Odessa, TX 79762.