Patsy “Pat” Richardson, 82 of Smithwick, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2018. She was born on October 18, 1936, to Tobe and Bea (Burns) Richardson in Rayville, Louisiana. She grew up in the South and was a true Southern Belle with a dainty stature and sparkling smile. Throughout her life, she knew joy and sorrow. One of her greatest joys was her daughter Tonya, who she raised as a single mom. Pat was well known in Rayville as the sweet, big-hearted owner of a hair salon, Pat’s Beauty Shop. No client walked out of her shop paying full price. Pat was always giving discounts here and favors there – anything to better serve her clients. She offered many salon-chair-counseling sessions where she simply listened as her clients poured out the problems on her compassionate ears. 

Pat realized that the most important thing in life wasn’t “things,” but people. She loved her family, friends and clients and dedicated much time out of her life to serving others. She nursed her mother through her final days. When her mother passed away, Pat took upon herself the care of her aunt and nursed her through her final days.  

Everybody loved Pat. Her son-in-law reflected on how she was so easy to love – the best mother-in-law he could imagine. She loved children – especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved animals and flowers. When asked to house-sit, Pat was known for overwatering the plants and overfeeding the animals. She couldn’t bear the thought of the plant withering or the animal going hungry.  

Pat will be remembered for the loving, tender-hearted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who selflessly invested time in making others feel treasured.  

She is survived by her daughter Tonya Fortenberry and husband Randy of Smithwick; grandchildren Joel Fortenberry of Smithwick, Leah Carpenter and husband Shane of Smithwick, and Daniel Fortenberry of Santa Cruz, California; great grandchildren Kevin Carpenter, Eileen Fortenberry, Haylee Fortenberry, Ellen Carpenter, Simone Fortenberry, and Max Carpenter.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Joe Matheny.  

Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at Smithwick Cemetery, with Linvel Baker officiating. An online registry may be signed at www.CremationAdvocates.net. 

In honor of her love for children, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate. 

Pat’s care entrusted to Cremation Advocates by Putnam, 206 Avenue H, Suite 204, Marble Falls, Texas 78639. (830) 798-8413.