Patricia Anne Mendenhall

Patricia Mendenhall of Temple, Texas, passed away on November 8th, 2023 after a long chronic illness. She was preceded in death by her parents Max K. and Rita M. Mendenhall and her brother Robert A. Mendenhall and is survived by her brother James R. Mendenhall, and his wife Erika Of Salado Texas, her 6 nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. She was never married, but always remained open to the possibility.

Patricia was born in Sonoma, California to a military service family. Her upbringing provided the opportunity to live in Munich, Germany, Silver Spring, Maryland, and San Antonio, Texas. She attended Cole High School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and later received a teaching degree from Texas Christian University. Further study at Southern Methodist University earned her a masters degree in art history.

Patricia forged a career in teaching at private schools in the Dallas, Texas area. She specialized in teaching science to grade school children. Patricia loved to dance in the Dallas Ballet and taught ballet to young children.

Patricia had a servants heart. She spent the majority of her remaining years caring for her aging parents at home and preventing them from being institutionalized. After their passing, she was very active in her Methodist church and was passionate about feeding the homeless. She was particularly active with the Feed My Sheep program in the Temple, Texas area. She was an avid writer of cards for birthdays and encouraging notes to her acquaintances. Patty loved to bestow small gifts to people in neat and colorful little bags. She never expected anything in return. She visited the ill and lonely in nursing facilities, and always made periodic phone calls to follow up with them. Patty also had a great love for animals, especially her cats. She had a very strong belief in Angels, and believed that they walk among us. She believed in prayer. She loved a good Hallmark movie. She loved her Savior. She was aware of her approaching passing and met it bravely.

In lieu of flowers, Patty would have much more preferred that a donation be made to a good cause to help God’s children. Please consider a donation to the Feed My Sheep Program, a food bank, or a ministry to provide charity and comfort for people.

Matthew 25:23: His Lord said to him, “Well done good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”