Obituary of Patricia Gholson Rives

Patricia Gholson Rives, 87, of Ocklawaha, Florida, peacefully passed away and entered God’s Kingdom of rest on May 27, 2023. Patricia was born June 1, 1935, in Marietta, Georgia, a daughter of the late William and Virgie Gholson. She grew up in Atlanta during World War II and soon after marrying Ollie J. Rives, Jr., on July 29, 1955, they moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where their four children were born. Later, they relocated to Fort Myers/Cape Coral and eventually Winter Park/Geneva. Their golden years of retirement have been spent in Ocklawaha, where they have enjoyed living on the water near good neighbors. Pat led a busy life raising their active children and also held various other positions throughout the years. She worked in the accounting department with Wilson’s Department Store in Tallahassee. She was the most loved School Crossing Guard in Fort Myers, and she delighted in her tenure at The Orlando Sentinel. An excellent cook, she shared her delicious baked goods and was always available to lend a helping hand at Olivia’s Coffeehouse in Eustis where she had many fans. Pat loved life. Possessing an agile mind and keen wit, she loved numbers and facilitated many successful real estate transactions as well as completed numerous books of Sudoku puzzles. Pat was never afraid to tell you what she thought. Most of her comments were good, a few not, but either way they were never with ill intent. She was honest, loyal and faithful. In their younger years, she and Ollie loved travelling. They also enjoyed dancing and going to Bluegrass music festivals. Keeping up with her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her much joy. Her favorite hobby was landscape gardening. She loved creating beautifully landscaped yards wherever she lived, often using azaleas and hibiscus which were her favorites. When not working outdoors, she could be found inside relaxing in her favorite recliner near her beloved husband reading the morning paper, working on a Sudoku puzzle, or watching a good old western movie. Patricia is survived by her husband of 67 years Ollie J. Rives, Jr., her daughter Olivia Anne Spilotros of Ocklawaha, FL, and three sons: Ollie J. Rives, III, and his wife Katie of Mt Dora, FL, Robert Scott Rives of Fort Myers, FL, and John Wilson Rives of Australia. She has 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The family is grateful for all the outpouring of love and support during this time of grief. The family will receive friends at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420, on July 1, 2023, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1:30 PM. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Tallahassee, FL.. In lieu of cut flower arrangements the family requests either a garden plant for Pat’s memory garden or a donation to Cornerstone Hospice in the name of Patricia G Rives. Please visit cornerstonehospice.org to donate Condolences may be left at Hiers-Baxley.com.