Patricia Anne Rivers

Patricia Ann Jacks Rivers, 86, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. She was born on May 28, 1939, in Amarillo, Texas, to her parents, Richard Jacks and Mary Richey.

Raised in Amarillo, Pat made local history as the proud owner of the first French poodle in town. That poodle was just the start of many pets she loved dearly. Simon, her Bichon sidekick, was fondly referred to as her best friend. The two were inseparable. You could regularly find them most afternoons taking a walk and sitting in the Brookplace courtyard with their many dear friends that lived there. The Brookplace community was truly a blessing to Pat in so many ways, especially Dreka Roark who was a constant friend for many years.

A proud product of Amarillo schools, Pat met the love of her life, William Rivers, when they were just students in junior high at Sam Houston. Pat and Bill married shortly after attending Amarillo High School. Their lifelong adventure together began by raising a family of four children—including two of Bill’s siblings, whom they lovingly welcomed as their own—and lived in seven different cities over the years. Pat could remember each of their addresses along with the many memories made at each home. As Bill earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law, Pat proudly was awarded her “PHT” degree—“Putting Hubby Through”— from the University, a testament to her steadfast support and unwavering dedication. She continued to work alongside Bill as his legal assistant and became an integral part to his decades-long career. The two truly were life partners until Bill’s passing in 2004.

Pat traded in her legal title for the even better title of “Grammie” that her six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren adoringly called her. Grammie never missed a special event, including her weekly dinner with both her daughters. Grammie’s presence was always known with her “knock, knock, come in!” She enjoyed attending games, recitals, and school functions. She even went on numerous family vacations with everyone. She bragged about her family any chance she got and was so proud of everyone’s accomplishments.

She was a gifted seamstress, often mending toys or hemming pants. She spent her mornings drinking coffee with Simon and completing puzzles in the newspaper. She was an avid reader and was a go-to wordsmith whenever something needed to be edited or checked. She regularly spent her Sundays at Anna Street Church of Christ and lunch with her church friends afterwards. She truly left a mark on everyone she met.

She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Jan Plequette and husband Tom and Michelle Moore and husband Greg, all of Amarillo; six grandchildren, Katie Hartzel and husband Will of Scurry, Texas, Kristi Skipper and husband Justin of Booker, Texas, Kari Modery and husband Jake of Amarillo, Texas, Megan Northrup and husband Payton of Amarillo, Logan Moore and wife Allie of Plano, Texas, and Macy Pickering and husband Bailey of Amarillo, TX; 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bob Rivers of Amarillo, TX; sister-in-law, Kathy Sundberg and husband Gene of Salmon, Idaho; brothers, Bill Richey and wife Janice of Lake Kiowa and David Richey of Amarillo, TX; sisters, Mary Lou Lyons and husband Paul of Canyon, TX and Joyce Wright and husband Rick of Lake Texoma, TX; and her Brookplace and church friends.

Viewing will be from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday. October 18, 2025, at Anna St. Church of Christ, 2310 Anna St.   Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.