Surrounded by loved ones, western wear matriarch, Patricia (“Pat”) Whitten Cavender, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2019 at her home in Pittsburg, Texas. Pat’s life exhibited a deep devotion to God, family, friends and community. She was born on August 5, 1932 in Idabel, Oklahoma, to Milton N. Whitten and Myrtle Elkins Whitten.
Pat Cavender was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Texas and was married to the late James Robert Cavender for 63 years. She was known as Grandmother to her grandchildren, and affectionately as “Miss Pat” by many. However, she was more fittingly labeled “Boss Lady” by 16-time world champion rough stock cowboy, Jim Shoulders.
Pat grew up in a rodeo and ranching family in Idabel, Oklahoma. At a young age, she was doing ranch chores, working the rodeo ticket booth, and then the stopwatch for the timed events. After graduation from Idabel High in 1952, she worked in Dallas, Texas. She married James Robert Cavender in 1955, and they made Pittsburg their home in 1957. Together, they founded Cavender’s Boot City in 1965. With hard work and the help of family members and many loyal and dedicated associates, it became the largest western wear dealer in the United States. Today the Texas-based company has 82 stores in 11 states.
