Maryanne Patricia (Ryder) Cameron

Maryanne Patricia Ryder Cameron was born June 19, 1934, in Zuni, New Mexico. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30th with her beloved husband, Bob, and family holding her hands and praying with her as she entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pat was a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve serving as an Occupational Therapist. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University and a master's degree in social work from Indiana University. She worked as a social worker for Denver Public Schools and Jefferson County Public Schools.

Pat met Bob in Indianapolis, Indiana, in August 1960 and they were married four months later on December 23, 1960. Her mother, Alma Ryder, passed away shortly before Pat met Bob. Alma was a loving, strong woman who passed on her keen sense of independence to her only daughter. Alma’s devotion to Christ and to her family was well-known and deeply influential. Pat carried on her mother’s legacy of warm hospitality and faithful service to others.

Pat and Bob moved to Pine, Colorado, in July 1964. There they raised their daughters in the mountains and built many memories and friendships. They also lived in Breckenridge, Colorado, and Lakewood, Colorado, before moving to Branson, Missouri, in November 1978. After running a successful fishing resort and bed and breakfast for 22 years, she and Bob spent their retirement years in Florida. Only recently had they moved closer to Jennifer’s family, where Pat was able to play a larger part in her great-grandchildren’s lives, a gift she delighted in.

Pat was passionate about gardening and creating beauty. She shared her garden freely and had as much joy sharing her produce as eating it herself. She was known for going out of her way to take care of the important people in her life. If you were on the receiving end of her generosity, you experienced a devotion like no other. Pat gave of her time and talents tirelessly to her neighbors, friends, church and community organizations.

Pat is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Robert Cameron; her oldest daughter, Jennifer Freeman (Jim) of Springdale, Arkansas; daughter Dawn Dishman (Dave) of Erie, Colorado. She is also survived by five beloved grandchildren, Zachary Freeman (Bethany) of Bentonville, Arkansas; David Benjamin Dishman (Jessica) of Fort Collins, Colorado; Caleb Freeman (Carissa) of Springdale, Arkansas; Matthew Dishman (Megan) of New York City; Katherine Dilley (Ben) of Longmont, Colorado; and many great-grandchildren, Bella, Cameron, Addie, Finley, Truitt, Piper, Eleanor, and Levi. Additionally, Pat’s close relationship with her cousin, Jim Harlow, and his wife, Sue, of Tipton County, Indiana and their five children was a foundational part of Pat’s life.

As Pat neared the end of life a few weeks before her death, she shared with her family that Jesus appeared to her in her hospital room and told her, “Pat," I will take care of you, and you don’t need to be afraid of dying.” We are left with sadness in her absence, but rejoice in her life lived to the fullest, and with confidence and joy we know she is rejoicing in heaven now.