On March 11, 2008, Patricia Mae Stringham Wiedmann, surrounded by her loving family, went to be with the Lord and the family that preceded her. She was blessed with a full and rich life, loving husband of 63 years, and loving and admiring family. Patricia was born in Bakersfield to Angie and Elwood Stringham on April 7, 1924. The Stringhams, who were both pharmacists, moved to Shafter in 1919 and opened Stringham's Shafter Drug Store, the oldest continuously family owned Drug Store in California until it's sale in 2005. The Stringhams and Wiedmann's were always involved and loved the Shafter community which embraced & supported the family. Patricia never remembered not knowing the love of her life, Mert Wiedmann. They both went to Shafter schools and were May "King and Queen" in the first grade. The photo of this event is a family favorite. They were married on October 22, 1944 at her parent's home in Shafter. The wedding was planned in 2 days, after a surprise leave from the Navy for Mert. Patricia always said that she had the most romantic and loving marriage. Mert was stationed in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Their first child, Lynn Ann was born while he was away, and he did not see her until she was 6 months old. Patricia started Pharmacy School at the University of Southern California, in 1942. She took a leave from school while Mert was overseas. When he came home, they both returned to The University of Southern California Pharmacy School, Patricia graduating in June 1948, and Mert in January 1949. They then became the managing partners of Stringham's Shafter Drug Store until 1977, when their son, Ted and Daughter in Law, Sandy, joined them in partnership. Mert and Patricia were continually active in the Pharmacy, but also were busy with traveling and planning activities for all the family to enjoy. Between 1950 to 1954, they welcomed the birth of 3 more children: Janet, Ted, and Diann. Even though Patricia had 3 children to take care of under the age of 5 at this time, she often stated how much she enjoyed that time of her life. She always enjoyed the hustle and bustle of a busy family and being surrounded by her children and their friends. She was involved in all the children's activities, providing goodies for the school classrooms, Den Mother of Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls, hostess of kid's pool parties, and personal "cheerleader" to each one of her 4 children. She had the gift of making each child feel special. At the same time, she still practiced Pharmacy with Mert, and was involved in community activities: president of the PTA and lifelong member of the Shafter Woman's Club. Patricia was also hostess to many community events. Patricia grew up in the Congregational Church of Shafter and was a lifelong member. She was involved in the Women's Fellowship and was hostess to many church activities. She made sure that her children attended Sunday School and were involved in church youth activities. Patricia was the "prayer warrior" for the family. When someone was having a hard time, she would encourage them with the Bible verse, Romans 8:28 " God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.". She had such a positive outlook on life and loved to read Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking". Her strong faith and belief in Jesus Christ was an inspiration to all of the family. Patricia is survived by her Loving Husband of 63 years, Mert Wiedmann, and children: daughter Lynn and husband Allen Taylor of Fresno, daughter Janet and husband Mark Tindall of Porterville, son Ted and wife Marti Wiedmann of Bakersfield, daughter Diann and husband Steve Potter of Wasco. Grandchildren: Tracy (Taylor) and husband Ryan Debuskey (with great grandchildren Katie and Ethan), Brad and Dania Wiedmann, Kristen(Tindall) and Eric Slater, Don and Alma Wiedmann, Scott Taylor, and Angie(Wiedmann) and David Mack. Niece, Molly and husband Craig Clifton of Bakersfield, their daughters Mikin and Kelley, spouses and children. Nephew, Bill McKinley and wife Jan and children of Porterville. She is also survived by many other family and friends special to her. She is predeceased by her parents: Elwood and Angie Stringham, her sister Helen, infant brother Elwood Jr., daughter in law, Sandy Wiedmann, and Mert's parents Oscar and Hazel Wiedmann. The entire family wishes to thank all the many wonderful people of the family and community for all of their support and love for Patricia. We also want to express our appreciation for the excellent care and concern by her physicians : Dr. S. Reddy of Porterville and Dr. Purewal of Bakersfield, and the tremendous CCU staff of the Bakersfield Heart Hospital. Visitation for Patricia will be held at Peter's Funeral Home in Shafter on Friday, March 14, from 4:00-8:00 pm. Memorial services will be held at the Mennonite Brethren Church of Shafter at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 15, with a reception following at the Congregational Church of Shafter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to : the Congregational Church of Shafter, 430 E. Tulare, Shafter or the general Scholarship fund of Shafter High School, 526 Mannel Ave., Shafter 93263.