As her supervisor for three years is was my privilege to work alongside Pat for she was impressive in many ways. The phrase "can-do" best describes the Patricia Houghtaling I knew.
She wore several hats in the Vance Commissary and excelled at all aspects of her job. One extra hat was being the Supply Tech for the commissary -- a thankless job. However, she was great at getting us all the supplies we needed and even some we necessarily didn't need such as the large Oklahoma flag we hung at the front of the store. She was a quiet, pleasant person who was very adept in her job knowledge.
Patricia was also great at helping in other store areas to include Produce, Grocery and even receiving when those departments were short-handed. She would just jump right in, she did not have to be asked to help out another area in need.
That same "can-do" attidute spilled over with her family life. A wonderful mother, counselor, example to her children. It is not easy working full time and being a single mom, but Pat seemed to meet the challenge and conquer it, evidenced by the way her children loved her, depended on her, and admired her.
Life is unpredictable, her early death is testimony to that, but may this gentle soul find rest in her Savior's care and may her family be be comforted by the True and Liviing God -- the Lord Jesus Christ is my prayer. One day in Heaven, we will see each other again and that will be a wonderful day (John 3:16, 14:1- 6); there will be no more disease, no more tears, no more sadness -- it will be a great day! Goodbye for now Patricia; we will see you in the hereafter; thank you for a life well lived.