Mildred Patterson McKeel

ODESSA - Mildred Patterson McKeel, 92, left this earth for eternal life in the arms of her heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.

Mildred was born on March 24, 1918, in Enloe, Texas to Ernest and Cuthbert Patterson. She spent her childhood in Hebron then Carrollton, Texas, graduating from Carrollton High School in 1936. After high school, she attended community college in Dallas while working for Bell Telephone Company as an operator, a position she held throughout World War II.

On a blind date to the Cotton Bowl in 1945, she met R. Duffy McKeel, to whom she was married on September 8, 1946. They moved to Odessa, Texas, where she lived until she moved to Fort Worth in 1988.

Mildred was employed by the Texas Highway Department from 1962 to 1986. She was incredibly artistic and enjoyed woodcarving, china painting, and yard work. She truly loved her church, First United Methodist Church of Odessa and the Wesley Sunday School class, as well as her children and her three granddaughters.

She was a selfless and strong woman who stood on her spiritual foundation in everything she did, and she was a blessing to the many who loved her.

Mildred was predeceased by her husband, Duffy McKeel; her brother, Redus; and her beloved Boston terrier, Mojo.

She is survived by her son, Mark McKeel and his wife, Cindy; her daughter, Karen McKeel Pence and her husband, Bob; her three granddaughters, Jennifer Campbell and her husband, Aaron, their son Brett, and their second baby boy, due in October; Julie Freshwater and her husband, Patrick, and baby Freshwater, due in March; and Jillian Kientzy and her husband, David.

There will be a graveside service held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 7, followed by a celebration of her life at 2 p.m. at the chapel at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Reverend Terry Tamplin.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Sanctuary Restoration Fund – First United Methodist Church, Odessa, Texas.