Patricia Toler Strickling

Patricia Toler Strickling, 89 years old of Midland, Texas, and also lovingly known by family and friends as “Patti” and “Neenie,” went to her heavenly home on Friday, July 23, 2021. Memorial services will be held at a time and place to be determined in the near future.

Patti was born on March 24, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She attended Louisiana State University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, LA and graduated high school from Monte Cassino School for Girls in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After high school, she went to Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri for one year before transferring to the University of Tulsa. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Art Students League. She was also crowned Sweetheart of the R.O.T.C. during her time at the University of Tulsa.

During her senior year, she met her future husband, Benjamin “Ben” Alfred Strickling, Jr. Their first date was at a Fraternity Ball at the Tulsa Club. After an eight month courtship, they were married on October 9, 1954, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1955, they moved to Quantico, VA where Ben enrolled in Officer Candidate School and became a U.S. Marine Corps Officer then a Second Lieutenant. While stationed there, Ben, III was born. Patti loved being part of the military community. In 1956 to 1957, they moved to Arlington, VA, Ben became a First Lieutenant at Camp Lejeune near Jacksonville, NC then located to Cherry Point in Havelock, NC. In 1957 to 1958, they moved to Beaufort, SC where Ben worked in photographic interpretation for U.S. Navy. In 1958, after 3 years in the Marines, they travelled to Ben’s home state, Wyoming for a brief stay and then moved to Jennings, LA where Ben worked for Penrod Drilling Company. Patti stayed at her parents’ house in Shreveport, LA until her second child, Suzanne, was born. In 1958 to 1964, Ben began his career with Skelly Oil Company in Farmington, NM where Joe, Margaret and Diane were born. In 1964 to 1966, they transferred to Bay City, TX. In 1966 to 1968, they transferred to Monahans, TX and Stephen was born. In July 8, 1968, they transferred to Midland, TX. Ben worked for Skelly Oil Company until 1977 then began working for John L. Cox, an independent oil and gas operator and producer until retirement in 2005.

Patti was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was so much fun to be around, had a wonderful sense of humor and always took a special interest in others. She was a very loving and kind lady that had a true gift of making people laugh and feel welcome. Patti was especially proud of her six children who graduated from Texas Tech University. She made sure to make time for everyone and provided so much love and support for her large family.
She was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter and Daughters of the American Revolution, Museum of the Southwest volunteer and a long-time member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Patti continued her love of art throughout the years by painting, rug hooking, decorating and many other creative projects. She was also an avid doll collector and member of the Madame Alexander Doll Club.

Patti is survived by her husband of 66 years, Benjamin Alfred Strickling, Jr. and her six children, Benjamin A. Strickling, III (Roxane) of Midland, TX, Suzanne Patricia Albright (Kenneth) of Tulsa, OK, Joseph Dodd Strickling (Tina) of Midland, TX, Margaret Ann Brumfield (Burton) of Baton Rouge, LA, Diane Elizabeth Strickling of Dallas, TX, and Stephen Michael Strickling (Robin) of Midland, TX; her seven grandchildren, Alexis Anne Horner (Jason) of Dallas, TX, Kelly Michael Strickling (Bonnie) of Midland, TX, Mitchell Andrew Strickling (Olivia) of Austin, TX, Andrew Kenneth Albright of Oklahoma City, OK, Anna Patricia Albright of Tulsa, OK, Benjamin Michael Brumfield of Baton Rouge, LA, Andrew Cox of Midland, TX; her six great-grandchildren, Jake Michael Horner, Ryan Benjamin Horner, Molly Anne Horner, all of Dallas, TX and Evelyn Leigh Strickling, Willis Michael Strickling, Thomas Benjamin Strickling, all of Midland, TX; and seven nieces and nephews and a cousin, J.B. Cobb of New Orleans, LA. Patti is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Dodd Toler of Kosciusko, MS and Ernestine Boehringer Toler of Marshall, TX, her sister, Ella Louise “Teedie” Smith of Hinsdale, IL and cousin, J. Armond Cobb of New Orleans, LA.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards Patti’s team of devoted caregivers and hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veterans Association of America Inc. (vetsaa.org) or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

To plant a tree in memory of Patricia Toler Strickling, please visit our Tribute Store.