Patricia Ruth Depew

1 Chronicles 16:24 - Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples

2 Timothy 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth

Patricia Ruth (Grossbach) Depew (1943-2025) was a loving wife, daughter, sister, nurse, missionary, professor, and gemologist. Patricia, 82, of Burbank, California, died August 25, 2025, after a series of strokes. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, a brother, a niece, and her beloved husband, David Depew.

Patricia (Pat) was born during World War II, in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, on March 26, 1943, to Cedric and Betty (Squires) Grossbach when Cedric was stationed in St. Johns. Betty and toddler Pat moved to Rochester Minnesota, Cedric’s hometown, where they both became citizens of the United States. Cedric joined them at the close of WWII. The family remained in Rochester, giving Pat a brother, Ernest (1948-2012) and a sister, Sue (1959- ).

Pat graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester. Her loves of science and people led her to become a Registered Nurse. She took pre-med classes at the University of South Dakota and completed her studies at Chapman College in Los Angeles, receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree. Pat worked in Intensive and Coronary Care Units at Saint Mary’s Hospital (associated with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN), University Hospital in San Francisco, and Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California.

Pat moved to Los Angeles in 1968. While continuing her work as a RN, she lived and volunteered as a guide at a private archeology museum, The Holyland Exhibit. This grew her passion for learning and teaching Biblical Archaeology. She would go on to do research in museums in Israel, Jordan, Europe, Egypt, and the U.S.

In 1984, Pat married Dr. David Depew (1941-2024). David preceded her in death by eight months. The two had a beautiful life together serving God in the Christian Mission Field in various roles, primarily teaching. Both studied and received their Masters of Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Pat went on to receive her Doctorate in “Archaeology of the Iron Age Period from Omri to the Assyrian Exile” from the University of South Africa.

Both Pat and David Depew continued their love of Biblical Archeology, with David being President of the Biblical Archaeological Society in Los Angeles for over 15 years. They lectured and taught on a range of subjects from the cultural setting of the Bible, church history, and classes on Old and New Testaments.

Pat and David volunteered for mission work in the Philippines and Africa. They worked with several colleges to set up the curriculum, library, and teaching programs with an emphasis on the cultural background of the Bible world. Upon returning to Los Angeles, they were elected to be leaders of an outreach mission group to Muslim immigrants in the San Fernando Valley. They did this with a wonderful team of people for almost 10 years.

Patricia worked with David on his Radio Bible Broadcasting Station known as “The Seed of Abraham,” where David recorded more than 1,500 programs. Pat became the President of the ministry and the programs continue to be broadcast and the ministry ongoing. She also wrote for the Global Prayer Digest (US Center World Missions), and the Joshua Project for more than 31 years. Pat and David conducted study trips for adult students to the Middle East, primarily Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Patricia and David shared a life of faith and joy, serving God as He directed them.

As an adjunct professor, Patricia worked at Glendale Community College for more than 27 years. She loved her classes and teaching! It took a series of strokes to get her to retire from GCC. Her courses on Ancient Civilizations were enjoyed by many; her last semester was spring of 2025, to which she shared her love of opera with her students.

Patricia used her talents in gemology and design to create her own high-end custom jewelry where she would hand select and purchase gemstones, then design her pieces around the stones. The sales of her Surpassing Splendor pieces were to be used to provide support for various Mission Outreaches, including “The Seed of Abraham.”

Patricia is survived by her sister, Sue (John) Hamilton, three nieces Katie (Alistair) Ebinger, Grace (Nathan Moore) Hamilton, and Natalie (Omar Kwara) Hamilton, a nephew Gunnar (Erin) Grossbach, great-nieces Paige Grossbach and Giorgie Ebinger, great-nephew Logan Grossbach, and her many dear friends, students, and church family members, including her cousins on David’s side, and the past and present Seed of Abraham board members.

A memorial service celebrating Patricia’s life will be held this year. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved David, at Live Oak Memorial Park in Monrovia, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy, consider making a donation on behalf of Patricia to:

The Seed of Abraham

P.O. Box 2020

Burbank, CA 91507-2020