by Gerri Peterson
The 2023 Sandhills Someone Special, Mullen’s Patty Wolfenden, was described the same way by everyone who nominated her: Loyal. Genuine. Kind. Big heart.
She even used a word one of her nominees used to describe her in her own reaction to being named the Sandhills Someone Special, “Humbled.”
Patty is a Mullen area native, graduating from Mullen High School in 1974. Her parents are Bob and Charlotte Benner who also live in Mullen.
Over the years Patty has worked at a variety of places - Red’s, her own salon in Thedford after attending beauty school in North Platte, cooked at a ranch near Whitman, took care of her grandma who lived with her, drove the mail truck out of Whitman, worked at the feed store, as a high school janitor, stayed home and babysat another kid her son’s age, worked at the motel, the village office and cooked at the rest home.
For 21 years now she has been the Hooker County Treasurer’s Assistant.
She has volunteered for a variety of organizations over the years as well. She was the secretary for the Mullen Roping Club, helped deliver Meals on Wheels and is the secretary/treasurer for the St. Joseph Episcopal Church.
She started bowling in 1982 when she was asked to be on a league and is now one of the main contacts for Mullen’s bowling alley, Hondo Lanes. She is the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Association manager for Hondo Lanes, which is the sanction part of the bowling alley. She helps run the concession stands that Hondo Lanes has done at youth football and baseball games and opens the bowling alley anytime for people to bowl.
She and her husband Lawnie have been married since 1985 and have owned L W Wolfenden Trucking since 1989, which she does the books for. Their son Travis drives with Lawnie and also does their scheduling.
Son Troy Benner died in 2009 at the age of 31. He was a Sergeant in the Army National Guard.
When asked what her hobbies are, Patty listed: bowling, reading, genealogy, jewelry making, horses and said that she loves ranch life.
Here’s what some of the people who nominated her for the Sandhills Someone Special had to say:
“Patty is a great person and one of the most loyal friends and coworkers ever. She always worked when needed, giving up her day off without complaint. She even continued to work while doing radiation treatments every day. She is a very strong Christian and has spent hours and hours preparing for church services… Not a bigger heart can be found.” - Cathy Nichols
“Patty is one of the most genuine and friendly people we know. She always has a ready smile and is helpful to everyone. She embodies the spirit of the Sandhills. We are proud to call her friend.” - Wanda and Pat Simonson
“The only words I could use to describe Patty would be, ‘this woman is the salt of the earth.’ Kindness just flows out of this woman. Her smile is infectious, her laugh makes you laugh… This award could not go to anyone more deserving than this kind, humble, loving woman that I am so proud to call my friend! She is a true gem!” - Rhonda Reiser
“She is one of the most kindest loving lady I know! She would help anyone out in need!” - Denise Hoyt
