Patricia Lou Martin of Abilene, Texas passed away August 14, 2026 in the care of Hendrick Hospice.

Patricia (Pat) was born April 7, 1934, in Akron, Ohio to Charles and Lora Pickering. She graduated in 1952 from Garfield High School where she was a majorette, class favorite and Homecoming queen. She attended Akron University for a short time before transferring toa community Bible college where she met and soon married her first husband. They had 3 children, Jim, Steve and Shari Rostrold. The family moved to Abilene in 1962. She divorced and 3 years later met and soon married her true love Prentice Martin on May 6, 1966. Prentice and Pat welcomed a daughter Nancy the following spring. Pat went back to school at McMurry College and received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1975 at the age of 41. She went on to substitute teach for many years at Cooper High School where her husband Prentice taught and coached. Pat hosted many parties for the coaching staff at their home on Ligustrum drive.

She was essentially a homebody though and enjoyed watching daytime soap operas and game shows. She especially loved all of the home shopping networks, and we have enjoyed many wonderful gifts as a result.

Pat was a huge sports fan too, especially rooting for the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. She was content in her home spending time with family who would stop by to visit weekly. I can't leave out the fact that her absolute favorite hobby was scratching lottery tickets in hopes of winning a jackpot to share with her family. She was extremely generous and kind, especially to her grandchildren who she adored.

Pat was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Charles and Edie Pickering; mother and stepfather, Lora and Ty Perren; brother, TJ Perren; husband, Prentice Martin; son, Jim Rostrold; daughter, Shari Cooley; and son in law, Todd Widdows.

She is survived by her son, Steve Rostrold (Neesa); daughter, Nancy Widdows; granddaughter, Trish McCauly (Chris), April Houston (Rex), Hannah Rostrold; grandson, Terry Cooley; along with 10 precious great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Tom Pickering (Viv); sister, Sally Browning (Paul); sister, Marion Erickson (Joel) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside memorial will be held at a later date.

The family wants to express their sincere gratitude to Hendrick Hospice for their loving care and support.