DeTar Healthcare System Honors Patricia Edwards’ 41 Years of Dedication as She Retires
1/2/2026
Few people leave a workplace feeling like home, but for Patricia “Pat” Edwards, DeTar Healthcare System has been just that for the past 41 years. Starting her career as an insurance biller in a time when claims were typed manually on carbon copies, Pat’s journey has spanned decades of change in healthcare, technology and patient care. Along the way, she became a trusted guide, mentor and friend to countless colleagues and patients alike, leaving a lasting legacy of experience, kindness and dedication.
Pat began her career handling insurance claims, spending eight years mastering the process before being promoted to billing supervisor. In 2016, after billing operations transitioned to the Shared Services Center, she embraced a new role as business office liaison, a position she has held for nearly a decade.
“The biggest change has just been the insurance industry as well as the technology,” Edwards said. “So much has changed over the years, but at the core of it, I’ve always liked helping people understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage.”
Throughout her career, Pat adapted to countless changes in healthcare billing and claims processing. She provided billing support for DeTar North, rural health clinics, and the psychiatric unit at DeTar North, and witnessed major transitions such as pediatrics and OB services moving from Navarro to DeTar North. Her knowledge spans both facilities and generations of healthcare operations.
“Pat has a wealth of knowledge about billing, insurance and how to correct claims,” said Yvette Peuttus, patient access director at DeTar Healthcare System. “She is cheerful, helpful and always willing to go the extra mile. If she sees someone in the hallway who looks lost, she personally walks them to where they need to go.”
Pat is widely respected for her collaborative spirit, routinely reviewing account errors and working directly with department directors to resolve issues. She played a key role in onboarding new staff, helping them learn billing programs and warmly welcoming them to the DeTar team.
“Coming in every day and enjoying the people you work with and getting to know the people you meet throughout the day at the hospital—that’s what will keep you someplace,” Edwards said.
Known as an early bird, Pat arrived each day at 6:30 a.m., logging countless steps across the hospital. Beyond her professional contributions, she brought joy to the workplace with baked treats and fan-favorite desserts for birthdays.
On a personal level, Pat has been a mentor to many, including Peuttus.
“She taught me so much and reminded me daily that the work will be here tomorrow — not to burn the candle at both ends,” Peuttus said. “I love hearing her stories about cattle, fixing fences, hauling hay and raising chickens. She’s truly a ranch lady at heart.”
Patricia Edwards leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and commitment that will not be forgotten. DeTar Healthcare System thanks her for 41 remarkable years and wishes her a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
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