Mary Dybvig
May 18, 1944 – October 3, 2023
Mary Dianne Bly Dybvig, 79, wife of the Rev. Ronald Dybvig, died at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
With her husband, a Lutheran pastor, Mary Dybvig was a co-founder of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, which now shares facilities and services with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Santa Paula. Ronald Dybvig was pastor to both congregations before his retirement.
In addition to her husband of 57 years, Mary Dybvig is survived by their daughter, Shannon Dybvig; their son, Nathan (Nicole) Dybvig; and granddaughters Ember Dybvig and Brynn Dybvig; brothers Mark (Cat) Bly and David (Cheryl) Bly; and sister Ruth (Jerry) Casanova. She was predeceased by her brother Ronald Bly in 2021, and her best friend Pat Barrett in 2022.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mary Bly, the daughter of Myrle and Lois Bly, was born May 18, 1944 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was raised on a farm in Garretson, South Dakota, attended local schools and graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She married Ronald Dybvig on August 10, 1966.
Mary Dybvig taught elementary school, first in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then at various schools across the United States, ending her career in Lynwood, California. She became a homemaker following the birth of her daughter, Shannon, in 1980. Her son, Nathan, was born in 1982.
Dybvig worked with her husband to build and grow churches. The family moved to Ventura, California, in 1989 to found Emmanuel Lutheran Church as a mission congregation. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible school. She expressed her artistic side by making wreaths and selling them to bring income to the church.
According to an obituary written by her family, “Mary enjoyed reading mysteries and listening to classical music. She had a deep love for those closest to her in the church and friends in the community. Mary loved to travel by car and the family took many memorable road trips driving from California to South Dakota. Mary cherished her family.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Mary’s name to All Saints Episcopal Church, Oxnard.