Our beloved mother, Patricia Ruth Ables Shackelford, passed away on April 4, 2026, surrounded by love.  She was born on March 20,1943, in Dallas, Texas, to Woodrow and Lessie Ables.  Pat devoted her life to her family, raising her two children with love and patience.  She was a graduate of Garland High School, Class of 1961.

Patricia was a pioneer in her field at Alcatel (formerly Rockwell International) for 45 years beginning in 1962 as a production line worker.  Her strong work ethic paved the way to becoming the first female in the engineering department and led to her advancement as an International Industrial Engineering Manager traveling the world.  In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their weekend farm in East Texas.

Patricia is survived by her children, son David and wife Renah, daughter Winona and husband Johnny. As well as her grandchildren John, Stephen, Nicholas, Kandice, and Alicia, and 6 great- grandchildren.

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Wayne Shackelford, her parents Woodrow and Lessie Ables, and her two brothers Norris Ables and Woody Ables.

The family would also like to thank Home Matter Caregivers, One Love Caregivers and Trinity Hospice for their care and compassion.