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Patricia Sophie Rives unexpectedly slipped from this life and into her husband's loving arms in Heaven on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. She was 84, and the last of her generation in our family.
Patty was born in OKC on 1-20-1927 to Jessie H. and Maxine (Hoover) Ruder. She moved with her family to San Antonio in 1936 when her father, an Army Officer, was transferred to Ft. Sam Houston. They moved to Gainesville Texas in 1941 when her father was named Adjunct General for the 84th Infantry Div. at Camp Howze. They later returned to San Antonio, where she graduated from Jefferson H.S. In 1944. She attended 1 year at Incarnate Word College, then finished her last 3 years at OCU after moving to OKC with her family. She graduated in 1948 with a B.A. In English.
It was while attending OCU that she met a handsome young WWII vet from Stroud OK, James Michael Rives, at a Bid House reception on 9-28-47. They married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on 8-14-48. After Jim completed his B.S. degree in business at OCU he re-joined the USAF where he served his country with pride and honor as a pilot until his retirement as a much-decorated Lt. Col. in 1975.
Patty was a dedicated military wife as her husband's career moved them from base to base: Kelly, Lackland and Brooke AFB in San Antonio, Rhine Main AFB Frankfurt Germany, Texas Tech ROTC Lubbuck Tx., Scott AFB III., Howard AFB Canal Zone Panama, and Tyndall AFB Panama City Fl. She saw him go to war in Korea and Viet Nam, and endured long separations when he went on his many military flights. She held the family together throughout it all. She was a member of the Officer's Wives Club wherever they were stationed. She particularly enjoyed their time in Germany, where she was able to visit Italy, Austria, England and France.
After Jim's retirement, they remained in Panama City Fl., where he died on Jan 31,1990. Patty remained in Panama City until her move to Norman OK in August 2011 to be near her daughter, Debra. Her daughter considered it an honor and a privilege to care for her mom in her last months. Although it was far too brief, she cherished every moment they spent together.
Patty had a heart for the less fortunate and regularly contributed to several charities. She volunteered at various hospitals throughout her life, ending with Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City Fl. She loved Frank Sinatra, Wheel of Fortune, playing mah jong, reading, attending concerts and plays, and going to Vegas and on cruises. She loved dogs, especially cocker spaniels and dachshunds (although, thanks to her granddogs, she was beginning to understand how special golden retrievers are.) She thanked God every day for being born in this country and loved everything having to do with the military. She missed her husband every day and never quite got over losing him.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant children David Michael and Melissa Eileen and brother Jesse. Also sisters-in-law she loved as her sisters, and their husbands: Allene Riffe (Ed), Hallie Evans (Richard) an Peggy Moran (Tom). Waiting to greet her at the Rainbow Bridge were her beloved Butchie and Sam, and her many granddogs. She is survived by her loving daughters Chris Ann Gibbs (Alan) and Debra Ong (Tony), her greatly cherished granddaughter Kaylee Gibbs, her dear step-granddaughter Jill Hastings (Lionel) and many much loved nieces and nephews and their families in Oklahoma, Georgia and California.
We were blessed with 2 parents who loved each other and us. We will love and miss her every day for the rest of our lives. You've earned your rest, mom. Be at peace.
Her cremains will be interred at Ft. Sam Houston alongside her husband and children at a later date. There will be private graveside services. Donations in her memory can be made to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary, 4500 24th Ave. NW, Norman OK 405-321-1915.
Arrangements entrusted to Havenbrook Funeral Home, Norman OK.
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