Mary Patricia Dyer, 95, of Steilacoom, Washington, passed away on December 23, 2025.

Pat was born on April 11, 1930, at Tacoma General Hospital to Myrtle May and Isaac "Ike" Wiltbank. Myrtle and Ike raised Pat and her brother Jack on 3rd Street in Steilacoom. Pat held the Puyallup State Fair 50-yard dash record for eight-year-olds for many decades and was both freshman homecoming princess and senior class president of Clover Park High School.

Pat earned her nursing certificate in 1951 from Tacoma General Hospital. Three months later, she married Lieutenant James Carmon Dyer. She followed him to Sasebo, Japan, where Jim was in military service during the Korean War. Her daughter Merilee was born during that time. Always having a passion for missions, Pat volunteered with the Children of the Night ministry while in Japan.

At the end of Jim's military service, Pat and Jim settled in Altadena, California. Pat took care of the family while Jim pursued a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Sons Tom and Brian were added to the family's residency in Altadena. From 1960 to 1992, Pat and Jim resided in Forest Falls, California. After Jim's retirement, Pat and Jim returned to their beloved hometown of Steilacoom, where she lived out her life.

Pat had a passion for helping others. Her career as a nurse was a perfect fit. While raising her family in the mountains of Southern California, she served as a nurse at Forest Home Christian Conference Center. From that practice, she transitioned into private practice, serving as a nurse for a Christian psychiatrist. Later, she would nurse at Redlands Community Hospital, where, after years of service, she accepted being the Director of Training and Education for the hospital.

Pat is survived by her three children and their spouses, her seven grandchildren, and her fourteen great-grandchildren. She has joined her husband Jim, who preceded her in death.

A memorial service for Pat will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 PM at Steilacoom Community Church, 1603 Rainier St, Steilacoom, WA 98388. A reception will follow in the church's social hall.

The family wants to thank the caregivers of Trusted Care House and her cherished Steilacoom friends and church for their support and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missions Fund at Steilacoom Community Church or to one of the Forest Home Campership Funds.