Patricia Ann (Stewart) Griest

Patricia Ann (Stewart) Griest, 95, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023 surrounded by family. She lived an exemplary life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, artist, and naturalist. Born January 13, 1928, in Ponca City, OK, Patty was the daughter of Dora Mildred (Cain) and Lawrence Christian Stewart. She had one older brother, Jack L. Stewart, DDS of Kansas City, KS. Patty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Phillips University in Enid, OK. She subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Technology from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Patty met her future husband, Walter Dixon Griest, MD at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, in 1949; they married in 1951. Together they raised four children. Patty leaves a legacy of community involvement and support through the arts, including her involvement with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, FAME (Foundation for Art Music and Education), First Presbyterian Theater and Art Gallery, Designer Craftsman Guild, Fort Wayne Philharmonic and a founding member of the GROGs, a group of local friends (Growing Rather Old Gracefully). Patty and Walter were founding supporters of the First Presbyterian Arts Ministry where they helped shape the culture and trajectory of the church’s reputation as a congregation committed to open interpretation of human expression through the arts. Patty curated and managed the church gallery for more than forty years. She brought nationally and internationally recognized artists to Fort Wayne while giving hundreds of regional artists an avenue to exhibit their work. Patty went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Art Education and became an accomplished ceramicist in her studio. In 2007, Patty felt a calling to care for God’s earth, resulting in the development of a ten-acre woodland prairie with native Indiana trees, flowers, and grasses at her beloved Clear Lake, IN home. This calling led to the formation of the First Presbyterian Church Earth Care Team, designating the church as one of Fort Wayne’s first recognized Earth Care Congregations. She was admired and loved for her fierce determination and drive for excellence, commitment to creative dabbling, and devotion to her dear puppy, Roddy. Surviving are her children, Diane (Jim) Davis of Fairfield, IA; Stewart (Risa) Griest of Lafayette, CO; Jeanne Griest Choka of Fort Wayne, and Jim Griest (Lea Powers) of Fort Wayne; 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter D. Griest, MD; her parents Dora Mildred (Cain) and Lawrence Christian Stewart; and her brother, Jack L. Stewart, DDS. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on May 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm, with calling one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please remember Patty with a gift to the Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy, Inc., or the First Presbyterian Church Earth Care Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Griest family at www.mccombandsons.com.