2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
1 Chronicles 16:24 – Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
March 26, 1943 – August 25, 2025
Dr. Patricia “Pat” Depew was a devoted wife, sister, nurse, missionary, professor, and gemologist whose life reflected deep faith, compassion, and an enduring love of learning. She passed away peacefully at the age of 82 in Burbank, California, following a series of strokes. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. David Depew, and several family members who went before her.
Born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, during World War II, Pat was the daughter of Cedric and Betty (Squires) Grossbach. After the war, the family settled in Rochester, Minnesota, where Pat grew up alongside her brother Ernest and sister Sue. Her love for science and people led her to nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Chapman College and served in Intensive and Coronary Care Units in Minnesota, San Francisco, and Glendale, California.
In 1968, Pat moved to Los Angeles, where her curiosity about history and Scripture deepened while volunteering as a guide at The Holyland Exhibit. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for Biblical archaeology. Over the years, she conducted research in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Europe, and the U.S.
In 1984, Pat married Dr. David Depew, with whom she shared more than four decades of life and ministry. Together, they earned their Master’s degrees in Biblical Studies from Liberty University, and Pat went on to receive her Doctorate from the University of South Africa, focusing on the “Archaeology of the Iron Age Period from Omri to the Assyrian Exile.” The Depews taught, lectured, and led study tours to the Middle East, inspiring countless students and fellow believers to see Scripture through its cultural and historical lens.
Their shared ministry extended to mission work in the Philippines and Africa, where they helped establish educational programs and Biblical curricula. Closer to home, they led outreach efforts among Muslim immigrants in the San Fernando Valley for nearly a decade. Pat also served as President of The Seed of Abraham radio ministry, continuing David’s legacy of more than 1,500 Bible teaching broadcasts. Her writing appeared for over 30 years in Global Prayer Digest and The Joshua Project.
For 27 years, Pat served as an adjunct professor at Glendale Community College, teaching Ancient Civilizations with passion and insight. Even in her final semester in spring 2025, she shared her enthusiasm for learning—and her love of opera—with her students.
Beyond teaching and ministry, Pat was also an artist. Through her jewelry line, Surpassing Splendor, she designed custom pieces to support missions around the world—turning beauty into blessing.
She is laid to rest beside her beloved David at Live Oak Memorial Park in Monrovia, California.