Published: June 17, 2009 08:25 pm      

Ann Patril

Ann Patril passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, shortly after her 94th birthday. She was born Anna Slovak on June 6, 1915, to Joseph and Anna Slovak in Ellis County. She was the only one of triplets to survive. At age 19, on Aug. 28, 1934, she married Jerry W. Patril and they celebrated 57 years together until his death in 1991. Their 50th anniversary was a joyous celebration — a huge Czech party and dance held at the KJZT Hall in Ennis, complete as always with wonderful food, music, family and good friends, typical of many family gatherings.

Ann and Jerry made their home and raised their family in Corsicana. As a young woman she first worked for the Corley and then Stroube families for many years, and later became a longtime employee of the Navarro College cafeteria, well known for her wonderful pies. She received several well-deserved commendations for her long service, including Navarro College Employee of the Year in 1980. She began her career at the college as a baker in 1963, and retired as assistant director of food service in 1986 after 23 years of celebrated service. At her retirement ceremony, it was noted by Navarro College President Kenneth Walker that “Ann would normally turn out 40 or more pies for a special occasion like this.”

Ann’s devotion to her Catholic faith and her love and dedication to her family formed the foundation of her long and productive life. She was well known in her church and community for her kind Christian service to others. Ann spent her last years residing at St. Joseph’s Catholic Retirement Village in Coppell, to be closer to her family and cared for by her daughters. While she missed her home and friends in Corsicana, she greatly enjoyed holiday gatherings, looking over five generations of her family.

Ann’s family includes daughter Anita Coker and son-in-law James Coker of Carrollton, daughter Mary Ann Godfrey and the late Lt. Col. Thomas Godfrey of El Paso and daughter Jerilynn O’Neal and son-in-law Michael O’Neal of Carrollton, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, sisters Bessie Petr of Dallas and Margie Spaniel of Ennis, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation and rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Corley Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Danilo Ramos officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Ennis.

Pallbearers will be her sons-in-law and grandsons James Coker, Michael O’Neal, Grey Godfrey, Ross O’Neal, Kyle Coker, Judson Godfrey and Ryan O’Neal.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3000 W. State Highway 22, Corsicana, TX 75110.

An online guest book is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com by selecting the Ann Patril obituary.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home. ∞