Patricia Anne Troell Holland passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025 on a beautiful Sunday morning, surrounded by her loving children.
She was born on December 27, 1938. For Pat, her faith, family and work ethic defined her. She was a strong woman who, in the early years, helped her parents and 10 siblings pick cotton, tend to the animals, and scratch out a living on her family’s farm near George West, Texas. She was an accomplished athlete, among a family of athletes, having been selected All-State in women’s basketball in high school. Her family was so proud to watch her be inducted into the Texas High School Girls’ Basketball Hall of Fame.
She met the love of her life in high school, a handsome young cowboy named James Holland – and built her life with him. Together they brought 6 children into the world, and either she or Jim were at every single event they participated in throughout school. “Ninny” was happiest when she had a child in her lap. She had 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and counting. Her warm smiles, hugs, and kisses provided much comfort. Ninny was a nurturer, always looking for someone to take care of. She was an excellent cook and served up many meals for her large family. Her fried chicken dinners were legendary and remain unmatched. She could often be found baking up a batch of her famous sugar cookies from her mother’s recipe and listening to Neil Diamond. She happily waited hand and foot on her husband who her sons-in-law considered the luckiest man in the world. Despite the requests, her daughters laughingly refused to continue this tradition.
Pat always had an eye for fashion and for many years designed and sold her own linen clothing line. After James retired from ranching they traveled the country, peddling her wares. Over the years she built a large following of women shoppers from Round Top, Texas to Brimfield, Massachusetts and many places in between. They called her “Rose”. She was adored by her many regular shoppers and the other vendors in her “show family”, who became close friends. She remained active until late in life and was not one to sit still, always on to the next thing or person who needed help. Her family lovingly called her “Patticane”.
Pat was a proud member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and served on the Altar Society. She was loved and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all that were lucky enough to have met her.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband James Holland; her parents, Jerome and Mary Troell; her brothers, Bud and Luther Troell; and her great grandsons, Reece Andrews, Raylan Andrews and Cuatro Adams.
Pat is survived by her six children, Cathy Ritthaler (Walt), Jimbo Holland Jr. (Lila), Cindy Adams (Joe), Cecilia Hedrick (Brad), Christine Andrews (Jason) and Wesley Holland (Suzanne).
She is also remembered by her adoring grandchildren, Maggie Cromeens (Brian), Ben Zimmerman (Samantha), Patty Mekhail (Chris), Joey Adams (Kirby), Sarah Beth Hedrick, Caytlyn Stanley (Justin), Seth Andrews (Sidney), Trip Ritthaler, Tel Holland (Sara), Emma Adams, Wyatt Andrews (Lauren), Grace Andrews, Annie Holland, Jack Holland, Sam Holland, Orrin Holland and Nate Holland.
Ninny will also live on in the hearts of her 24 and counting great-grandchildren.
Pat is survived as well by her siblings, Marian Burkhardt, Ellen Snider, Ginger Clifton, Mike and Judy Troell, Ted Troell, Gilbert Ray Troell, Mary Beth Blevins and Evelyn Jo Newman.
Pallbearers include Ben Zimmerman, Joey Adams, Seth Andrews, Tel Holland, Wyatt Andrews, Jack Holland, Sam Holland, Orrin Holland, Nate Holland and Chris Mekhail.
Honorary Pallbearers include Maggie Cromeens, Patty Mekhail, Sarah Beth Hedrick, Caytlyn Stanley, Emma Adams, Grace Andrews and Annie Holland.
Visitation will begin at 10 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Freund Funeral Home with a service to follow at 11 am. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friar Ag Center in Cuero.
