April 14, 1939 – July 1, 2025
Nora Gertrude Dryer, wife of retired elder Rev. David L. Dryer, 86, better known as “Tudie,” passed away at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, on July 1, 2025.
Tudie, the youngest of nine children born to Aaron B. Slater and Nora P. Slater (Bartlett), was born on April 14, 1939, in Blackford County, Indiana. Tudie enjoyed her childhood and youth on the family farm outside Hartford City, Indiana, where she learned an incredible work ethic and learned to joyfully make the most of whatever circumstances she faced. She attended Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, where she received the free gift of salvation and began a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. She graduated from Hartford City High School in 1957, participating in school plays and playing the cornet in the band. Tudie graduated from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1961 with a B.A. in Education. Tudie taught Social Studies and Spanish at Swayzee High School (Indiana) and Hillsdale High School, and later served as a substitute teacher in the Hesperia, Lake City, McBain, and Battle Creek Public Schools.
On August 12, 1962, she married David L. Dryer at Pleasant Grove Church, where David served as a student pastor. Tudie would serve alongside David for the next forty-six years at churches in Osseo, Mendon, Leroy, Ashton, Luther, Dansville, Vantown, Hesperia, Ferry, Lake City, and Battle Creek, Michigan. Tudie taught children’s Sunday School and directed children’s choirs. She and David also took a group of youth from the Leroy church on a memorable trip out west to Yellowstone National Park and Colorado. Tudie enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s musical, theatrical, and sporting events. She was an avid gardener, seamstress (sewing countless dresses over her lifetime), quilter, bird watcher, and enjoyed the challenge of a jigsaw puzzle. She always made sure her family was well fed, with fruit pies and a variety of cookies being her specialties. She placed the needs of her family over her needs in the love and care she provided others. She had an infectious laugh when tickled by life’s humorous moments.
Tudie is survived by her husband of 62 years, David L. Dryer, and her four children: David C. Dryer (Joyce) of Davenport, Iowa; Mark L. Dryer (Christy) of Olivet, Michigan; Paul A. Dryer (Laura) of Waynesboro, Virginia; and Miriam J. Quillen (Jason) of Spring Arbor, Michigan. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Emma Hannahs (Collin), Jacob Dryer, Isaac Dryer (Emma), Julia Dryer, Maya Quillen, Jessica Dryer, Daniel Dryer, Bethany Dryer, and Veda Quillen, along with one great-grandchild, Eleanor Hannahs. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings: Marjorie Gordon, Norman Slater, Lauren Slater, Murry Slater, Gerald Slater, Alta Edie, Eleanor Slater, and Marion “Pete” Slater. She is also preceded in death by granddaughter Nora J. Quillen.
Funeral services will be held at the South Side Bible Church, 4515 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. The graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday at Lakeview Cemetery in Quincy, Michigan.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to South Side Bible Church, Centrica Care Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are in the care of Richard A. Henry Funeral Home www.henryfuneralhome.org
Last Updated on July 31, 2025