Patty was born on March 14, 1962 in St. Louis, MO to Art and Wilma Monroe.  She had lived in Amarillo since her Sophomore year in High School.  She was very involved with Camp Fire Girls growing up and she received the WoHeLo Medallion in 1979, which is the highest honor given for Camp Fire Girls (like the Eagle Scout for Boys Scouts).  Patty graduated from Amarillo High School in 1980 and married Alan Thomas on November 28, 1987.  She attended West Texas State University, Amarillo College and Panhandle State University.  She later graduated from American Business School in 1988.  Patty was a licensed Massage Therapist and she was very passionate about her profession.  She had a servant's heart and was very involved through the years in Children's Ministry and as a volunteer in many areas at both St. Stephen United Methodist church and also at Amarillo South Church.