Patricia Parrish Friend

Patty Parrish Friend was born on May 1, 1959, to James G. and Elma Sargent Parrish. When Elma was expecting Patty, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Courageously and heroically, Elma postponed treatment until Patty was born. Elma passed away just before Patty’s second birthday.

By divine design, Grace Riches Parrish agreed to become part of this ready-made family. It was a foregone conclusion that Patty, the darling little two-year-old, was the key to sealing the deal. Grace became her loving mother for 48 years. Patty grew up in Centerville on the family farm. She helped around the house and enjoyed a childhood surrounded by many cousins whom she loved.

When Patty was 11 years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This was a difficult challenge throughout the rest of her life. Despite the challenges of this condition, she faced them with courage and humor.

Patty graduated from Viewmont High School, where she participated in basketball, mainly because she had grown to be 6’3” by this time. It was not her favorite activity, even though she could be dominant on the court at times.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a youth, she received several Personal Achievement and sports awards through the Church.

After high school, Patty attended Utah State University for two years. She then decided to put her excellent typing skills and cheerful disposition to work as a secretary. She thrived while working for several companies.

She married Rob Bartlett, but their marriage eventually ended in divorce. However, Patty remained loved by her Bartlett in-laws.

Eventually, the effects of diabetes took their toll, and Patty had both legs amputated below the knee. This was traumatic for her, but she faced this setback with determination. In true Patty fashion, she asked her doctor if he could make her 5’11” so she wouldn’t have to be quite so tall anymore.

She joined an amputee support group and served as a Certified Peer Visitor (CPV) with the Amputee Coalition, helping to lift the spirits of others experiencing the challenges associated with amputation. During a national convention, she met Richard Friend. They fell in love and were married in Hawaii on September 15, 2005.

Patty and Richard were like two peas in a pod. Even though they only had one leg between them, they took numerous cruises, camping trips, and plane rides, and were actively involved in amputee support groups. During this time, Patty was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This seemed to be the most devastating news of all.

Throughout her life, Patty faced more than her share of difficulty and hardship. Yet she met each challenge with remarkable courage, determination, and humor. She refused to allow her physical limitations to define her or diminish her love for life. Her resilience inspired those around her, while her quick wit and loving personality endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Eventually, she could no longer stay ahead of the two insidious diseases that had afflicted her for so long. She passed away on September 13, 2026.

Patty is predeceased by her parents, husband Richard, sister Kaye, brother Mark and her loving puppies: Huey, Marshall, Butkus, Jobin and Little One.

Patty is survived by her brothers, Doug (Charlotte) and Norm (Kaye), and by her adoring nieces and nephews: Preston, Allison, Claire, Lauren, Travis, Matt, and Collin.

A celebration of Patty’s life will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah, where a visitation will be held Friday afternoon from 1:00 -2:00 p.m., prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary and Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary page. See YouTube video below.

Those who wish to do so are invited to come prepared to share their fondest memories of Patty.