Patricia ‘Patsi’ Ann (Schrader) Avant, Wife, Mother, and lovingly known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Mamo”, went home to her Lord and Savior surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age of 71. Patsi was born on September 1, 1953, in Gonzales, Texas to Norvel and Eva Schrader. Growing up between Gonzales and Cheapside, Texas, Patsi had a unique childhood, with both of her parents being legally blind. Earning her hardship license at 13, to ensure her and her sister could get to and from school.
Patsi graduated from Gonzales High School in 1971, where she then went on to give 15 years of service to Guadalupe Valley Electrical Coop. She took a break from corporate work in 1997, when her first grandchild was born. For the next several years she devoted herself to filling in as babysitter, chauffeur, cook, tutor, and much more for her young grandchildren.
She later worked several more jobs, each she enjoyed for different reasons, but mainly because of the vast amount of people she was able to have a conversation with and dote on her kids and grandkids, maybe jokingly throw in a complaint or two about Jim taking too long finishing up her latest project around the house. In her retired years, once again, she committed her time to watching her babies, this time her great-grandchildren, Millie and Cooper.
Patsi was a fan of cooking shows, especially Pioneer Women. When her grandkids were young, she happily let them create giant messes in her kitchen while “cooking”, and she always cleaned up with a smile - something her granddaughters attribute their love and skills of cooking to. She was a beauty enthusiast and loved dressing up for lunch with friends or a steak dinner with Jim. Patsi was an animal lover, especially all of her rescues, Francis, and Mama, and her new rescue kitten, Lucky.
As the Matriarch of the family, she was always there when they needed her, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Just as her world was centered around her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; theirs was centered around her as well.
Patsi is survived by her husband of 28 years, Clifton ‘Jim’ Avant; Sister, Peggy Grothe (Tim) of Elgin, Nebraska; daughters Kelli Connell (Ron) of Gonzales and Kasey Rhodes (Kevin) of Smiley. Stepchildren Brandon Avant (Kim) of Gonzales and Rhonda Avant of Cuero. Granddaughters Bailey Garrett (Clayton) of Harleton and Corie Remschel (Lance) of Gonzales. Step-grandchildren Kinley and Kaelyn Rhodes of College Station, Paige Van Buren, Tyler Wenske, and Travis Wenske all of Cuero; Jake Avant, Luke Avant, Hannah Avant, and Lillie Avant all of Gonzales. Great-grandchildren Millie, Cooper, LaciJoe Remschel. Step-great grandchildren Emma and Colt Van Buren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Norvel and Eva Schrader, and her beloved dog Rosie
We will be honoring and celebrating the life of our precious Mamo with a come-and-go gathering for family and friends. The Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a special moment of reflection at 2:15 PM, at Belle Oaks Inn in Gonzales, Texas. We invite all who knew and loved her to join us in remembering her beautiful spirit and the lasting impact she made on all of our lives. Belle Oaks Inn is located at 222 St. Peter St, Gonzales, Texas 78629.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to the Gonzales Dog Adoptions, PO Box 192, Gonzales, Texas 78629.
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.