Rynda Pate-Crabtree

Rynda Jan Pate-Crabtree passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025.

Jan was born on October 27, 1940, to Baylass and Lowys Gill. She spent a happy childhood in Waco, TX, holding dear countless memories of family and friends. Among those friends she treasured most were her high school friends, affectionately known as the “Mouton Mamas”, named for the Mouton coats they each wore. Together, this group shared a special bond that lasted throughout Jan’s lifetime.

After high school, Jan attended Baylor University, where she met her future husband, Ben Pate. The couple married in 1960 and together built a beautiful life that produced Jan’s greatest sources of pride and joy: her three children Brant, Paige, and Pam. The family spent their early years in the Dallas area before settling in Plains, TX, where Jan worked as Secretary to the Superintendent of Plains ISD. After the family was transferred to Aransas Pass, TX, Jan enjoyed a successful career as a realtor. She met many people, most of whom remained lifelong friends, and all knew her as an intelligent and trustworthy person with an easy laugh and beautiful spirit. Following the death of her husband, Jan went back to a job she was passionate about and became the Secretary to the Superintendent of Aransas Pass ISD, from which she eventually retired after 18 years in the district. Her love for the community of Aransas Pass never ceased. She served on the board of the Coastal Bend Foundation, a foundation started by her late husband, that awards scholarships to all graduating Aransas Pass seniors each year.

It was during her last years at Aransas Pass ISD that Jan met and later married her surviving husband, Ron Crabtree. Jan always deeply felt the blessing that Ron was to her, and readily welcomed the addition of his two children, Kevin and Christopher.

Jan was preceded in death by her first husband, Ben Pate, her parents, Baylass and Lowys Gill, her stepfather Meredith DeLay, and her brother, Don Gill.

Jan will always be remembered for her big heart, her beautiful laugh, her wise words, and her uncanny ability to make everyone feel like family. Fiercely protective and loyal, endlessly loving and doting, Jan was the heart of every gathering and the strength behind every success. To know her was to be welcomed, encouraged, and loved unconditionally. Outside of her family, Jan’s passions were simple and sincere: gardening, birdwatching and cooking for those she loved, but her happiest moments were ones she spent with her family.

Those who are left behind to honor her memory are her husband, Ron Crabtree, her son Brant Pate (Carol) of Portland, TX, her daughter Paige Stuart of Celina TX, her daughter Pam Bennett (Wayne) of Aransas Pass, TX, her step-son Kevin Crabtree (Julie) of Portland, TX, her step-son Christopher Crabtree (Molly) of Rockville, MD, and her nephew Jayson Gill (Lisa) of Bozeman, MT. She also leaves behind a legacy of love to the many who called her their “Jangill,” her 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren – with one more on the way.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home located at 2003 W. Wheeler Ave in Aransas Pass, TX 78336. The family kindly asks you to join them for a celebration of life immediately following at Jan and Ron’s home, 538 Pinehurst, Portland, TX.