Ada "Doris" Pybas, 97, of Fort Smith, AR, entered into heaven on April 11, 2024. She was born to Roy and Goldie Watkins in Oklahoma City, OK on May 22, 1926. She married Rev Garth Pybas on February 2, 1943. Theirs was a great love story that spanned more than 63 years. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2006, her parents, her sister, Betty Boone, her daughter, Janet Arnold, and her grandson, Jason Helmbacher. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Helmbacher and husband, Neal of Fort Smith, 4 grandchildren and their spouses, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.

Doris gave her life to Christ as a teenager. During a revival at her church, she met a fiery young preacher boy and quickly fell in love. He was the great love of her life. Soon after their marriage, they were separated for 2 years by World War II. Upon his return home, their life of ministry began. Doris was a faithful, loving, exemplary Pastor's wife. During their ministry, she served in every area of the church. From Sunday School Teacher and Director, to Mission's Director, to VBS Director, to choir member— she did it all during their more than 50 years in ministry. They served churches in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois. While at First Southern Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, she saw a need for a deaf ministry. She taught herself sign language and led a very large deaf ministry. There was seldom a Sunday meal where there were not guests at their table. Their home was always open and welcoming to all. Any success enjoyed in Garth's ministry was directly due to his faithful wife. She was a wonderful Mother to their two daughters and created a home full of love, laughter, and music. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren loved time spent with their "Me-Me".

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭10-12, 28, 30-31

A family led graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:00 am at Resthaven Cemetery in Oklahoma City, OK.