Our Team
Staff
Meet the people of First Presbyterian Church
Pastor Tom Paine
Transitional Pastor
The Reverend Tom Paine has been an ordained minister since 1998. He has served in six presbyteries, has been the installed pastor of three churches, and the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care in a large church. He is a retired military chaplain and served in uniform for over 30 years. He has been on committees/commissions of ministry for nine years. After retiring from the military, he developed an expertise in transitional ministry and has served at Lakewood Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, Tenino, and Westminster Presbyterian, Chehalis. He also served at Packwood Presbyterian, South Beach Presbyterian, and Twin Harbors Lutheran for shorter terms.
He is married to the Reverend Lesley Blair Paine, and they have two adult children, John and Hannah, who years ago were members of the youth group here.
Pastor Tom greatly enjoys studying the Bible, which he reads daily, reading, dogs, exploring with a travel trailer, amateur photography, and studying German on the side.
Tom is a native of New Orleans and has lived in five states. The Paines’ home is next door in Sumner, where they have lived since 2018 and where they plan to retire.
Diane Gibbons
Church Administrator
Diane, has many years of experience at First Presbyterian Church of Puyallup. She started here in 2009 and has finally landed this wonderful heartwarming job. She has two children both of which grew up in this Church. Diane has dedicated her spirit and abilities to our community and will continue to do so as long as we need her.
Katie Eatherly
Youth & Young Adult Coordinator
Katie is the youth and young adult coordinator. She spends much of her time at the church putting together fun events all year long. If she isn’t in the office, she’s searching through our crafting closet for supplies or restocking snacks in the youth room.
“Some fun facts about me: I am the oldest of 8 children, I have 7 younger brothers aging from 8-23. In my free time, I play board games, card games, video games (pretty much any type of game, actually). I am an avid reader as well! I love epic fantasy books and you can never go wrong with a murder mystery.”
Bill Klouse
Coordinator of Music Ministry
Bill is the Music Director/Conductor at South Puget Sound New Horizons Band and works as the Connections Director at Washington Music Educators Association Board. He allegedly retired from teaching, but is often found substituting in a classroom. Bill is married to his long-time love Andrea, and enjoys being a father, grandfather, dog walker, and occasional retiree.
Andrea Klouse
Worship Leader/Choir Director:
Andrea has taught music across the state of Washington. She worked in a variety of schools and districts, and finally retired from the Bethel School District. Andrea has served as the President of the Washington Music Educators Association and is a Founder of Vivace! Choral Program. In addition to being an educator, published composer, and clinician, Andrea is also an accomplished wife to Bill, mother, and grandmother.
Nola Gene Byrd
Parish Nurse
Nola Gene and her husband Scott are adapting to life as empty-nesters as their twin sons have recently launched into college. Nola Gene is kept busy with her nursing job at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood and her crafting addiction.
