Patricia Jane BYERS

1934 - 2023

October 2, 1934 - March 18, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who dedicated everything she had to her family. Patricia passed peacefully on March 18th at the age of 88, surrounded by her loved ones.

"Patsy" was born at home in Pullman on October 2nd, 1934, the fourth child of Roy and Leah Draper. She grew up in Rosalia and Palouse, WA. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Richard Byers, and they were married on November 26th, 1949. They moved to Spokane and had six children together.

Early onset Parkinson's Disease forced Richard to quit working by age 30, leaving Patricia to raise the children, be a caregiver, and work full-time, often more than one job, to support the family. Despite these overwhelming challenges, her relationship with Richard was one for the ages. They provided the perfect example of how to face adversity with love, grace, and dignity and defined what it meant to be a partner for life. They were married until 1999, spending over 50 years together.

As a mother, she was a selfless role model. She always put her children's needs ahead of her own, and her unwavering love and support were a constant source of comfort and strength. She was patient, nurturing, and always there to listen, guide, and encourage her children in all their endeavors.

As a grandmother, "Grandma Patsy" was adored by her grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, playing games, reading stories, and sharing her wisdom and life experiences. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always treasure the memories they shared.

Patricia was also a dedicated employee of The Spokane Club. Known as "Pat," to her co-workers, she spent 40 years at the Club, retiring in 2005 as the Executive Housekeeper. She was known for her hard work and friendly guidance forming many close friendships

with her colleagues. The Spokane Club recognized her for her dedication during a large retirement party, granting her a lifetime membership.

In her limited spare time, she had many varied interests. For decades she rode her bike daily and stuck to a healthy diet. She enjoyed sewing shirts, and dresses, and crocheting afghans for family and friends, and spent hours in her gardens in the Spokane Valley and on the South Hill. An anglophile, she loved learning about English history and the royal family, and one of her favorite memories was of her trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland, in 2002.

Patsy will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kind and selfless nature touched the lives of so many, and her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, and her husband. She is survived by her six children, Sherry Byers Peterson, Danny (Sandy Byers), Terry Byers, Penny Pedey, Lisa (Donald Low), and Patrick (Arden Byers); her eight grandchildren, Beth (Dean Kurhani), Derek Basso, Shelley (Jake Opgenorth), Emily (Odell George), Faith Byers, Rich (Sarah Byers), Blake Byers, and Brooke Byers; as well as six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held on March 31st at 1:30 at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane, WA.