Dr. Patty Hernandez, 61 passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 2:00pm at Sullivan Funeral Home officiating will be Rev. Wallace Clay.

Patty was born in Kimball, Nebraska on August 16, 1960 and went to be with our Lord on October 4 ^th , 2021 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was surrounded by loved ones. Patty is survived by her "Esposo" Alberto Hernandez, daughter Kelsey Catherine Johnson, son Levi Johnson both of Denton, Texas, stepdaughters Olivia Hernandez-Frias of Denton, Texas, Anna Reeves of Snyder, Texas; 8 Grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; her beloved pack "the little girls"– Roxy Red, Sadie, and Taz; Buck, Dixie, Koda Bear, Patches, Turbo; the "Cadillac Cats"—Sprinkles, Zoomy, and Zhoe. She was preceded in death by her Mother Dorothy Lavaughn Brown and Father Harold Earnest Reher.

Patty grew up in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, where an enormous piece of heart remains. She attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie and later transferred to the University of North Texas in Denton completing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees there. During her time at UNT Patty raised both of her children Kelsey and Levi. This is also where her career with the State of Texas began.  Patty moved to Vernon and continued her career at the Texas Youth Commission facility and afterwards moved to the North Texas State Hospital where she served as Chief Psychologist. Taking pride in her work she was appreciated as a dedicated professional who was well loved among peers. Her career with the State of Texas was a milestone accomplishment totaling more than 40 years.

Traveling to National and State parks was a devotion she shared with family and friends. The Devil's Tower, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone National Parks were favorite destinations. Trips with Patty were unforgettable, included every bathroom along the way, and always made for a good story later. Wrong turns frequently lent themselves to "adventures" as she would say.

Donating frequently to the Wilbarger Humane Society and adopting regularly exhibited her passion for animals. Animal advocacy was perhaps second to traveling but not by much.  Other enthusiasms included knitting, reading horror novels by her favorite author Stephen King, and an eclectic taste in music that spanned decades and genres.

To know her was to love her. A few words that easily describe Patty: affectionate, eccentric, kind, generous, and a spirited hippie. Her distinctive style included Tie-dye and vibrant colors, you could recognize her passions easily, she wore what she loved. Her shirts proudly displayed her love of Wyoming and Native American culture. She was immensely proud of her "treasures" which included bears, all things Native American, and her beloved rings that were displayed proudly by wearing one on every finger.

Though she left too soon, Patty lived a life that could fill volumes. The pages of her life were filled with humor, quirks, and compassion. Leaving an enduring legacy of love, she always greeted everyone with a hug, "Hey Sweet Pea or Peanut" and a beautiful smile.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry."

-Dr. Seuss

Visitation will be Friday, October 8, 2021 at 6:00 to 8:00pm at Sullivan Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to Wilbarger County Humane Society.