Patricia Faye Bench Wood

Patricia Faye Bench Wood, 83, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in San Angelo. Patricia, lovingly known as “Pat” was born June 27, 1940, in Houston Texas. She was the only daughter of Leonard J. Bench and was raised by his mother Veronica Bench, whom the family called “Big Mama.” Pat had one sibling, Leonard J. Bench, Jr. She grew up in Houston and attended St. Rose of Lima School, St. Agnes Academy and graduated from St. Pius X High School in that school’s first graduating class, the Class of 1959. In that class Pat was elected Homecoming Queen and Most Popular Senior. She also served as Junior Class treasurer and Senior Class secretary. In addition, she sang in the Chorus, played on the softball team and acted in the Senior play. On November 12, 1960, Pat married Billy Don Wood of Clarksville, Arkansas in Houston. Pat worked for Gulf Oil and Chevron and retired from there in 1997, the year that she and Billy Don moved to San Angelo, Texas where they resided until her death. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Leonard J. Bench, Jr. and her brother-in-law, Bobby Joe Wood. She is survived by her husband Billy Don Wood; her Sister-in-law Sondra Wood; her niece Karen Varnell and her husband Tony; and her nephew Mike Wood and his wife, Alice. Pat had many talents and interests in her youth, such as dancing, singing and horseback riding. Later in life, she enjoyed gardening, as evidenced by her cultivation of plants in the adopted spot across from her home. For many years, Pat bravely fought M.S., which limited her activities, but never broke her spirit.

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