Patricia W. Drenten

Born in Chicago to Verner T. Wide and Margaret Hrusovsky, our mother Pat Drenten lived her life boldly, with deep love, fierce strength, and an indomitable spirit. A true warrior, she faced life’s challenges head-on — raising four children on her own, working full-time, and later earning her BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at El Paso.

She was an active member of the National Organization for Women and the Sierra Club, and she enjoyed taking her family on long car trips, hiking, and camping across the Southwest, and even into Mexico.

Pat had a varied career as a radio DJ, model, realtor, an early Apple computer saleswoman, and an Accounting Manager.

Alongside her beloved husband Derek Drenten, they laughed, hiked, camped, skied, gardened, and shared a deep appreciation for bluegrass music — a passion that inspired her to sell music merchandise at bluegrass festivals. She was also a talented crafter, creating ornate beaded pieces and sharing her hobby with her best friend, Julie.

Adventurous until the end, she traveled around the world — living at times in England and Costa Rica. Her extensive genealogy research led her to trace her family’s roots far back from her immigrant ancestors in Sweden and Slovakia. She generously created family trees not just for herself, but for many others as well.

Pat is preceded in death by her sister, Jeanette Flowers, and her husband Derek Drenten, and survived by her children: Scott Boyd & Debbie of Crowley,TX; Susan Preston Sipe (& James) of Hurst, TX; Chris Preston of Rome, GA; Dianne Preston (& Mike) of Austin, TX; plus grandchildren, Preston and Rachel Sipe.

A small celebration of life will be held at an undetermined future date. Please feel free to honor Pat by supporting: SafeHaven — Donate Financially