Patricia Vyoral McLelland – Patsy, to all who know and loved her – of Dayton, Texas, left her Earthly body on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at the age of 77. Born June 20, 1949, in Dayton, Texas to Charlie John Vyoral, Sr. and Margaret Kovalcik, she was a lifelong resident of Dayton.
Patsy and her husband Charles were united in marriage on July 1, 1972, just celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary this past July. While it was not “love at first sight”, she met and then married Charles within a 6-month timespan at St. Anne’s Parish in Eastgate, Texas. They began their life together in Crosby, Texas where they established lifelong friendships and carried out the bond among the numerous Czech cousins in the area. Patsy absolutely loved to dance, and any free nights were spent at The Legion Hall, also known as “The Stomp,” where she took turns dancing with not only her husband, but all her cousins. She loved Polka and Waltz and was known to be a terrific dancer. Her husband has always said over the years that he married “the prettiest girl at the dance”.
She and Charles moved to Old River in 1975 while Patsy was working at the 1515 Insurance Agency in Baytown, Texas. With the arrival of their oldest child, Amy, in July 1977, Patsy began her full-time role as a wife and homemaker. Their son, Ryan, was born in October 1980, completing their family of four. The family moved to Linney Creek in Dayton, Texas in 1982, and have resided there ever since.
Being the oldest of three children and a daughter of rice farmers, Patsy learned early on the importance of hard work, and that work ethic is something she is known for. She learned to sew at an early age (around 4 years old), and that remained an important part of her identity through the years. This was first demonstrated when she received State Recognition in 4H during her 6th grade year for her project submitted. Over the course of her life, she also sewed for the public on a regular basis, completing countless projects including prom dresses, flower girl dresses, bridesmaid dresses, clothes for porcelain dolls being entered into competition, Western wear for rodeo competitions… and the list goes on. There was never a project that she wasn’t willing to take on. Whether sewing for herself, family, or clients that became friends – she was highly skilled and received so many compliments and accolades over the years.
In 1987, she went to work as a legal receptionist at Taylor & Norwood in Liberty, Texas. This was a great introduction back into working outside of the home, and the distance allowed her to come home for lunch every day to watch her favorite soap opera, All My Children. She quickly began taking on more responsibilities within the office and was soon working more as a legal assistant.
She worked closely with Gary Dennison, Attorney at Law – and worked alongside him for a total of 30 years. In 2016 Gary left private practice for a short time and went to work in the Liberty County Attorney’s Office, but not without his right-hand, Patsy. Upon his leaving that office, he insisted that she remain there until retirement. She agreed, but those of us close to her knew she had no intention of retiring. She also worked along Judge Don Taylor, and the friendships developed in that office… well, there was no comparison.
Kelley Burns and David Allison shared an office with her, and Charles and the kids benefitted from the stories told around the dinner table. Her friends and peers in the Courthouse and surrounding offices have shared that she was always smiling, and willing to help in any way she could. Patsy planned on remaining loyal to Liberty County, so much that she had her clothes laid out for work the following day on the night of her passing. A true testament to her loyalty and work ethic.
In addition to being a loyal wife and amazing mother, Patsy’s most favorite title came in 2004,then again in 2009: Nana. She has two beautiful granddaughters, Kaelyn and Mallory, who love and adore her as much as she does them. They spent a great deal of time in their early years at the law office “working” with her, and countless hours at home learning to cook, bake, sew, and craft. Both girls have grown into creative young women, inheriting those genetics from their Nana.
Patsy is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Charles Wayne McLelland; daughter, Amy McCline and husband, Christian; granddaughter Kaelyn McCuistion and fiancé (whom she referred to as her grandson) Sean Huset; and granddaughter Mallory McCuistion; brother,Charlie Vyoral, Jr. and sister, Melinda Vyoral Siros; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of additional family and friends who love her deeply.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ryan McLelland; parents Charlie & Margaret Vyoral, Sr.; father and mother-in-law, L.A. “Jiggs” & Dorothy McLelland; sister-in-law Robbie McLelland;sister-in-law Carolyn Vyoral; sister-in-law Sarah McLelland; niece Stacie Vyoral; and numerous other relatives and friends who most certainly welcomed her in Heaven.
Services for Patsy will be held at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas. The family will have visitation on Friday, Sept. 18, from 5-6 pm, then welcomes other to attend from 6-8 pm. Her funeral service will also be at Pace-Stancil, being held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery. The family welcomes everyone to join them for lunch and fellowship at St. Anne’s Parish Hall in Eastgate immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the St. Anne’s Shepherd Staff, or directly to the family for costs related to her unexpected passing.