Patricia Lea Mooney Dittes died on January 1, 2026, in Richmond Hill, Georgia, aged 80. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she graduated in 1968 from Southern Adventist University with a nursing degree and worked for the next 51 years. Her nursing career included work in Obstetrics (OB) and operating rooms. In the final years of her career, she specialized in wound and ostomy care.

In her retirement Patricia volunteered at an animal shelter. She adopted rescue dogs throughout her life. Her family remembers her for her holiday recipes and her generous gifts. She is survived by her husband, Albert; her children, James Dittes and Julie Gates; and five grandchildren: Jacob and Joshua Gates; Ellie, Owen, and Jonah Dittes.