Patrick And Marcella Mcquilliams

Patrick & Marcella McQuilliams

Holly Lake Ranch, Texas

Pat & Marcella were grateful residents of Holly Lake Ranch for 17 years. Burial to be held at Holly Tree Cemetery, Monday, April 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Pat was a true California boy, enjoying a wealth of family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and a true gentleman. For a brief time, he worked with his father at MGM Studios in California. He thought the world of his wife, children, grandchildren, father, mother, brother, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He could make anything, fix anything and charm anyone. He was the kindest, funniest, smartest Dad and friend anyone could ask for. He began his career in printing before he graduated from high school. It was especially important to him to make people laugh and boy could he. From stories of his pet alligator to playing Cowboys & Indians with Clark Gable. He was a proud Army veteran, DeMolay, and Mason, who deeply loved his community and country. In 1963, he met and married the love of his life, Marcella Bottorff and continued his devotion to her for 57 yrs. Together, they made the most amazing life for their daughters, Kelli and Kim. He accomplished so many things, but none that he was prouder of than his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and later in life, spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, wood carving and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Marcella was a sweet, sassy country girl from Indiana who moved to the big city of Los Angeles just out of high school. She was so proud of her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, mother, father, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her stories of growing up in Southern Indiana were always so entertaining. She had a passion for music, singing back-up for many local entertainers. She became my father’s secretary, and in their long, wonderful marriage shared so much love and joy with all who knew them. Marcella was an amazing wife, homemaker and equally adept at creating and repairing anything. She dabbled in interior design, cake artistry, and knowing exactly what you were going to do 10 minutes before you did it. Later, she joined EDS in Plano for many years in Human Resources. She was a gifted artist, poet, and painter, who volunteered with her church and local thrift stores. She was the funniest, sharpest, most fiercely loyal mother and friend anyone could wish for. If we needed help, we called Dad. If we needed to raise heck, we called Mom. Later in life, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening, and painting. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and along with my father, relished in their retirement at Holly Lake Ranch.

They were perfect matches for each other, instilling the importance of empathy and service to others and a love of family, country, and the arts to all they met. It was my honor to be their daughter, friend, and caregiver. At times, it was challenging for all of us, but we faced it with humor, dignity, and the strength we gained from each other’s love. I could not be prouder to call you Mom and Dad. I am so happy you are together again but will miss you dearly.