Patricia Leilani Ryals, a longtime resident of Northeast Washington, passed away on Aug. 9, 2022 in Spokane, WA at the age of 76.  Patty was born on July 5, 1946, in Honolulu, Hawaii the daughter of Theodore William and Elma (Ryals) Cass.

Patty was raised in the Aeneas Valley near Tonasket and Republic, WA and following high school she married Dale Merritt.  While he was in the military and serving overseas, Patty resided in Aberdeen, WA.  They would return to Republic for a time before moving to Cle Elum and then Yakima.  They resided in Yakima from 1975 to 1986.  During this time, Patty worked in the home raising their family.  In 1986 came back to Republic and Patty worked as the essential supply technician for the Ferry County Memorial Hospital.  She and Dale divorced in 2006 and Patty remained in Republic for 3 years.  She then moved to Spokane to be close to her kids and grandchildren.  Her health began to decline with dementia in 2020 and she found care at the Moran Vista in Spokane, WA.

With five kids, her time and commitment were to her family.  Patty sewed their clothes, shopped for their needs and ensured they all gather around the dinner table each night.  She found great comfort in her home but enjoyed taking her family on campouts and occasional outings.  Patty had a strong will and was able to always speak her mind.  She left question as to who was in charge but had a soft spot for her grandchildren and enjoyed every moment with them.

Patty was preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn Collins and her parents.

She is survived by her three daughters, Lessie (Charlie) Miller of Spokane, WA, Anna Brown (Eli) of Spokane, WA, Charlie Lynn Merritt (Tim) of Spokane, WA; sons, Nichols Merritt (Sherri Lynn) of Billing Montana, Matthew Merritt (Makayla) of Salem, OR; 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; brother, Bill Cass (Patricia) of Wenatchee, WA; sister, Jerri Anderson (Greg) of Coulee Dam, WA and a host of extended family.

Services in memory of Mrs. Patricia L. Ryals will begin with an ash burial at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 at the Republic Cemetery in Republic, WA.  A memorial gathering will follow the ash burial at 12:00 p.m., at the Republic Brewing Co.   Memorial contributions may be given to the Hospice of Spokane.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.