How do you summarize the life of a woman who lived life to the fullest and who meant so much to so many?

We honor the life of Patricia Kaye Rose Morris—our mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and memory maker. Pat was born on November 17, 1945, in Emmett, Idaho, to Lee Grant and Phyllis May Hudson Rose, and was the third of nine siblings. She grew up in Dayton, Washington and Hermiston and Umatilla, Oregon. In each of these places she created lifelong friendships that would remain close to her heart throughout her life. She was extremely close with her siblings and her cousins and she had an endearing relationship with her Uncle “Fudd” and Aunt Pearl.

Pat graduated from Umatilla High School where she was known as “Rosey” and was elected the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) president her senior year. At graduation, she received the Citizenship Award. Pat was committed to growth and learning throughout her life, which led her to pursue higher education at Brigham Young University. In keeping with her FHA pursuits in High School, Pat furthered her education in Home Economics, preparing her to be the greatest mother and homemaker of all time. She is the G.H.O.A.T! (Greatest Homemaker of All Time)

Faith and family played a central role in shaping who Pat was. In 1960, her family was sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which deepened her commitment to her spiritual path. Through two marriages, Pat received what she described as her “greatest joy”—her six wonderful [sometimes ;)] children: Brian, Shane, Michelle, Genise, Kevin and Jared. Her family continued to grow as her children began to multiply and replenish the earth, giving her 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many others who considered her a mother or Gramma Pat.

Family and friends were everything to Pat. If you were on her birthday card list, you knew you'd receive a card adorned with cheesy stickers and a heartfelt note along with a heart-warming text at 12:01am on the day of your birthday. She was the ultimate memory maker, establishing meaningful holiday traditions for everyone. Pat was a phenomenal party planner, was extremely organized, and was THE pioneer in building and establishing traditions from scratch.

Truly, Mom was the heart of our family traditions, ensuring that every holiday and special occasion was filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful moments. Her children carry on these legacies with their own families so Pat’s favorite traditions will live on. Like, Super Bowl Sundays, marked by closest scores, meatballs, hors d'oeuvres, and prizes... Valentine’s Day, filled with quizzes, poetry, and thoughtful gifts... St. Patrick’s Day, featuring her traditional Irish dinner of corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes… and, Easter, bringing full-contact egg hunts, quizzes, and fancy new clothes.

May Day saw flowers and secret acts of service, while family reunions were packed with country stores, bingo, crafts, and games. The 4th of July celebrations included a treasure chest for the grandchildren, canoe races, fireworks, endless chores, all capped off with Mom in her loud sequined patriotic vest serving up her famous marinated barbecued turkey tenders.

On Fast Sundays, Mom served quiche, orange julius, and plenty of laughter. Christmas was always a magical event with ornaments, puzzles, graham cracker houses, “Pat’s Santa,” and stuffed stockings, all leading up to the grand feast of prime rib with British party poppers, and her meticulously planned presents, always including pajamas and favorite breakfast cereals, and often wrapped as early as July.

Even as her family spread across the country, she continued to bring them together. Mom found innovative ways to keep these traditions alive remotely, long before working from home (WFH) became “cool.”

Following in the footsteps of her beloved mother, Pat developed a mastery of the English language through avid reading and by writing poetry, stories, blogs, journals, memoirs, and letters. She carried those talents into every word game imaginable, which led to her long reign of supremacy in Boggle, Bananagrams, Words with Friends, and the like. (Long live Queen Pat!) In keeping with her lifelong love of learning, Pat joined the Bonney Lake, Washington Senior Center Writing Club. We invite you to scroll through some of Pat’s beautiful prose by visiting her mission blog.

Pat was an incredible cook, making it all seem so easy. Her meals were more than just food—they were moments of joy and community, bringing people together around her table or at festivities. Many of us are so lucky to have her cherished recipe book, a treasure we can turn to when we want to relive the tastes and memories she shared with us.

Pat was never one to shy away from a little self-care. Whether it was striking her signature awkward poses for pictures, indulging in foot rubs, or playfully calling herself the “sexiest red-headed brunette blonde alive,” Pat embraced self-care wholeheartedly. From massages and pedicures to natural health practices, she always made time to pamper herself—reminding us all of the importance of taking care of both body and soul.

Pat never met a stranger. She ensured that everyone she met felt cherished and important. She had a way of making people feel like they were the most special person in the room. Her kindness and generosity were matched by her warmth, humor, and the effortless way she connected with others. Pat had a unique ability to bring laughter into conversations and always saw the good in every living being (except cats and dogs). And if you’ve ever been with Pat, you know how infectious her laugh was… especially during those late nights!

Pat’s love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived. She served two missions—one in Texas, where she built lifelong friendships, and another in Hawaii, alongside her dear friend, Sue McGiven. Through her ministering and service, she touched countless lives, always offering a listening ear, a kind word, and unwavering faith. She magnified her church callings and loved serving in Relief Society, Young Women’s, and Primary. She was devoted to temple worship, and family history and enjoyed visiting temples all over the world.

Mom was the rock of our family, the one who held us together through both joyful and difficult times. She was a globetrotter and couldn’t sit still for very long—whether visiting her siblings and friends, going on sister trips, or making special memories on mother-daughter getaways. But no matter where her adventures took her, her heart was always at home in Lake Tapps, Washington, a place she crafted with care to be welcoming and full of life. There, countless memories were made, and it was where she found peace among her family, friends, and sunsets.

Patricia Kaye Rose Morris was a servant of the Lord, a beloved daughter of God, a devoted mother and mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, a loving sister and sister-in-law, a fun cousin, a loyal friend, the best neighbor, and someone who had the extraordinary ability to make everyone feel at home. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless memories she created.

We are grateful to have known her, to have been loved by her, and to have shared in the joy of her life. Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we find comfort knowing that she’s reunited with loved ones who have gone before and that her spirit continues to live on in all of us.

Our eternal gratitude goes to Jan Cozart, Pat’s friend for over 45 years. Jan cared for our dear mother in her final weeks and made sure that she was able to make it home to Utah where she could be close to her loved ones. Our mom was so grateful that all of her children (her “greatest joys”) were able to spend time with her in her final summer and in her final days.

Pat is survived by her children Shane Morris, Michelle (Mark Cato) Morris, Genise (Matt) Horton, Kevin (Amy) Morris, and Jared (Heather) Morris; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and eight siblings, Diane Gett, Mike (Dawn) Rose, Jerry Rose, Roger (Linda) Rose, Lee Rose, Greg (Lynn) Rose, Dennis (Carol) Rose, and Karen (Dean) Pratt.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Phyllis Rose, and her son, Brian Morris.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 2400 North 1060 East, Provo, Utah. Viewings will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Wheeler & Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah, and on Friday, September 27, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. before the services at the church. Burial will be held at Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund.

For those unable to attend the services they will be streamed starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, via Facebook Live at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome