Patricia Dale Rudd

Patricia Dale Elliott Rudd, a resident of Everett and native Oregonian passed away after a brief illness following a life of dedication to her family, community, and friends & loved ones across the Pacific NW. Born in Klamath Falls, OR, to Bruce and Olive (Rucker) Elliott, she spent her formative years in Roseburg, OR, and maintained for her life all her dear friendships made as far back as 2nd grade. She graduated from Roseburg High in 1956 and attended every class reunion since. After studying education at the University of Oregon, followed by her first marriage, her plans changed and she was off to Portland, OR, where she worked for the Bureau of Land Management. Following a move to Everett she led a storied 32-year career at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, working primarily in tribal operations & enrollment for the Puget Sound Agency. Pat and her husband, Jay, met at the Spud Nut Cafe on Colby in 1968. They were married in September 1969 and maintained a home in the Riverside Neighborhood since 1970. In 1977, Jay and Pat had welcomed their son, Jason, into the family alongside Jay’s children from a prior marriage, Brenda and Raymond.

Pat retired from the BIA in 1994 and quickly blazed several new paths. She certified as a Confidential Intermediary reuniting adopted children with their birth families, particularly centered on Native American adoptees for whom her services were always free. While a member of PFLAG she helped guarantee that LGBTQ+ youth were provided safe space at GLOBE Youth, volunteering at their Pink Prom for many years. She was a long-time member of Carl Gipson Senior Center, serving on the Bingo Board and handling ticket sales at the senior dances. Although her arthritis didn’t allow her to join the dancing, she cherished the fun and excitement. Until her death she volunteered for the Local Indian Child Welfare Act Committee and United Women in Faith, and was a Distinguished Member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). Thanks to Zoom she could participate from home, and her gratitude for the city & county paratransit services was immeasurable, allowing her to also join in-person with ease. Pat’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Aleth Francisco and Elizabeth Ramstad for the five years they provided dignified care and companionship in Pat’s home once that support became necessary.

Her Methodist faith informed her compassion and calls for social justice, particularly for indigenous nations harmed by colonization and to affirm the LGBTQ+ community’s welcome to the Church. At every church she attended prior to her move to Snohomish United Methodist in 2017 she championed the process to declare an Open and Affirming ministry. She joined the ecumenical booth at Snohomish Pride Parade since inception, and loved participating though she couldn’t march.

For many years Pat enjoyed musicals at the Fifth Avenue Theater and those produced by Village Theatre. She was front and center at each Thursday waterfront concert in the summer. And most of all, she was a proud, loud, and rowdy supporter of the Oregon Ducks football team, which she declared on her legendary vanity license plate, IMADUCK, that she moved from car to car for nearly 40 years.

Although she has gone to glory to join her husband Jay, Pat’s memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and the community forever.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Jean Gardner, brother Butch Elliott, son Marshall, granddaughter Angela King, and honorary daughter Kari King. She is survived by son Jason, stepdaughter Brenda (Doug) King, stepson Raymond Curd; sister-in-law Barbara Elliott; nieces Terri Oden, Jenne Rudd, Stefani (Ian) McCallum, Angi Lewis; nephews Rick (Michelle) Rudd, John Rudd, Michael (Jen Matthews) Elliott, Sean (Cathy Drennan) Elliott, Peter (Jennifer) Elliott; honorary daughter Renee Quaempts, and many grandnieces & grandnephews. Pat is also remembered by her Bluebirds from Roseburg, her innumerable friends from the BIA and the Tulalip Tribes, and her friends from NARFE and the Methodist community.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m. at Snohomish United Methodist Church, 2400 Lake Ave. Remote attendance will be available.