Patricia Ann Spella Truby

Patricia Ann Spella Truby, 84, of Newport, North Carolina, went to be with the Lord, on November 15, 2023, after leading a life of service to her cherished family and her beloved community.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Saint James United Methodist Church - 1011 Orange Street, Newport, NC 28570 on December 9, 2023, at 11:00 am.  Chaplain David Bratton will be presiding over the service. Food will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the ceremony. 

Patricia "Pat" was born on September 1, 1939, in Covington, Kentucky, to Harry Benjamin Spella and Dorothy Gladys Vaughan Spella.

Pat was a tenacious community volunteer, she managed the concessions stand for many summer seasons for the Newport Little League baseball team and dedicated over 30+ years to the Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest, doing everything from chopping BBQ, frying hushpuppies, selling elephant ears, and running the french-fry booth.

Pat was hired by the Newport Fire Department as an EMT-I for the Rescue Squad and then trained as a fire inspector.  Working with the Newport Fire and Rescue turned out to be her true passion. Pat enjoyed arriving at the fire station upon hearing the “tones” and assisting on rescue calls. She helped arrange the “Ms. Flame” contest and always made sure that every child who came to visit Santa left with a toy in one hand, a goody bag in the other hand, and a smile on his/her face. She retired from her service with the Newport Fire and Rescue Department after 30 years and was honored with a plaque and flag for her years of service. Pat also volunteered with the Atlantic Beach Fire Department and held the position of secretary when she could no longer assist with rescues.

Pat’s deep-rooted commitment to her community also extended to her employment with Newport Elementary School as an assistant schoolteacher and with the City of Newport in the water/sewer department.

She is survived by her children, Lester Truby, Deborah Johnson (Hal), Karen Dickey (Tom), Charles Truby (Doris) and Donald "DJ" Truby; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her older sister, Bonnie Wilson of Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a contribution be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. in Morehead City, N.C.