Patsy Ruth Norwood, 85, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 in Oakdale.

She was born in Quanah, Texas to Hud and Ruby Hardendorf. She was their only child and the love of their lives. Hud, Ruby, and Patsy moved to Oakdale in 1942.

It was in Oakdale that Pasty would meet her lifelong best friends Fay Hubble, Olga Rodden, Beverly Gilbert, and Frankie Ann Casenave who would later in life become known as Oakdale’s Golden Girls. They could always be found at the Moss Rose Bakery. These golden girls were proud graduates of the Oakdale High Class of 1945.

In high school she began working at Teter’s Wardrobe and went on to work there until its closing in the 1980s. She also worked at Dr. Hollander’s dentist office and Hunt’s Cannery in Oakdale. In April 1955, she married Donald Leroy Norwood.

Mrs. Norwood lived the rest of her life as a proud Oakdale resident, never missing an Oakdale Rodeo Parade where she always sat in front of the H-B. She loved spending summers at the Dardanelles with her friends. Always known to have a good time, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends. She attended St. Matthias Church in Oakdale.

She will forever live on in the hearts of her family

She is survived by Jim and Ida Norwood of Hickman, Jon and Kerry Norwood of Oakdale, Jeff and Shelly Norwood of Oakdale, and Bethany Norwood of Riverbank; 14 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Norwood; parents, Hud and Ruby Hardendorf; and son, Donald C. Norwood.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. A service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10 at St. Matthias Church, 101 First Ave., Oakdale. Burial will be at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery. A reception will follow at The Reata on Third Avenue, Oakdale.

Remembrances may be made in honor of Patsy Norwood and sent to St. Matthias Church, P.O. Box 26, Oakdale 95361.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 8, 2014