Patsy R. Marquez

Patsy Ruth Marquez, a beloved matriarch and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Patsy moved to California at a young age, where her remarkable life began to unfold.

She is survived by her seven devoted children: Vince Contreras (Mona), Valen Contreras (Patty), Vance Contreras (Danna), Victor Contreras (Connie), Vikki Shagner (Ray), Carrie Coppola (Chris)
Cherie Sanchez (Rudy). In addition to her children, Patsy leaves behind a large extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.

Patsy’s early years in California were marked by lifelong friendships. She formed two enduring partnerships with her best friends, Patricia Warden and Lois Driscoll, whom she met in junior high and whom she remained close companions with throughout her life. She married at an early age to her former husband Leandro Vincent Contreras with whom she shared four sons.

A woman of many talents and independent nature; Patsy built a life defined by service and care. She and her husband, Manuel Marquez, married in 1974 and later settled in Mariposa, California, in 1980. They transformed an eight-acre countryside ranch into a home filled with the warmth of animals—dogs, cats, goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, and more. Patsy turned her compassion into action by opening her own dog grooming business where she met lifelong friend Diane McKaskel who mentored her in the profession, and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant, dedicated to caring for the elderly as a home health nurse.

Her faith and leadership were evident in her involvement with the Eastern Star, where she served in various roles and contributed to the community she loved.

After Manuel’s passing in 2012, Patsy moved to Hanford, California, to be closer to her twin daughters, Carrie & Cherie, and her eldest daughter Vikki and to continue cherishing family ties. She loved to share her appreciation for food and innate fascination with birds of every feather. Her home would be filled with the sweet and savory aromas of whatever she was cooking at the time accompanied by the singing chirps of her beloved yellow Canary.

Patsy’s generous heart, steadfast loyalty, and the love she poured into her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Her devotion to her husband, children, friends, and community remains an enduring legacy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Marquez (38 years of marriage), her mother Charlotte Ruth, her father Alton B. Parker, and her grandmother Grandma Parker.

Funeral Mass for Patsy will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10am at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 1001 N. Douty St. Hanford, CA. Graveside services will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 12pm at Calvary Cemetery, 260 W. Childs Ave, Merced, CA 95341. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patsy R. Marquez, please visit our floral store.