Patricia M. Hyde Taylor, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, departed this world on December 22, 2020.

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Patty Taylor was born on November 2, 1947 to Charles Winthrop Hyde, Jr. and Patricia Ann Hyde on a U.S. military base in Coco Solo, Panama. She was the youngest of three children.

At sixteen, Patty was the victim of a drunk driver, breaking her back and neck, leaving her in traction for several months, and was told by her doctor that she’d never walk again. Those that knew Patty, know those words only served to motivate her, and she defiantly walked out of that hospital after a lengthy recovery.

Patty would simply say everyone has challenges, but that humility hid some truly horrifying experiences of tragedy, cruelty and abuse. Through it all, she always had the grit to endure, the strength to overcome, and the grace to maintain a sense of humor. That also led Patty to rarely mince her words and not hesitate to call it as she saw it.

“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world ~Desiderata”

After two previous attempts, Patty found her soulmate in her husband, Perry, who she loved and trusted with her whole heart. Perry was the love of her life and gave her the love she always deserved, making the two of them inseparable. The two of them spent 35 years together, enjoying long drives, camping, and dining out. With Perry at her side, Patty loved watching countless movies, crime dramas, and an endless amount of Star Trek. Together, they also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Bart and Mariah, especially in the kitchen passing on Patty’s favorite recipes.

Patty loved all animals. She enjoyed feeding many wild birds and deer in her own backyard. She kept a journal of all the animals she spotted on her drives with Perry. She cared for many dogs and cats over her life, but most recently her heart belonged to Mandee and Morgan, her two cats.

In the end, she leaves behind many fond memories filled with her directness, some naughty jokes, and her uncanny ability to make friendships with all those that crossed her path, from her neighbors to the waitresses at her favorite restaurants. Patty would often tell Perry that if she died today, no one would even notice. As right as she often was, she couldn’t have been more wrong on that one. We thank all those who have reached out during her final weeks and since her passing for helping us finally prove her wrong on something.

While Patty’s passing has been deeply felt by so many, to have this tragedy caused by and happen amid this pandemic has made the pain and heartache even greater by her surviving family: her devoted husband and best friend, Perry Taylor (and their cats, Mandee and Morgan); her daughters, Stephanie Weston Jenkins (Mike) and Tracy Taylor (Richard); her stepchildren, Khristopher (Mannette), Sara (Billly), and Jason (Amanda); her grandchildren, Kayla (Marcus), Mary Patricia (Nicholas), Calli (Kaelin), Mariah, Bart, Audrey, Alexis, Liam, Mackenzie, and Scarlet; and her great-grandchildren (so far…), Aizlyn, Everly, Brielle, Kian, Isaac, and Iris; and her brothers, Robert Allen “Bob” Hyde, Sr. (Nadine), James “Jim” Hyde (Dora).

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, nephew Charles “Chuck” Hyde, and great granddaughter Lily.

A graveside service will be held at the South Morgan Cemetery on Saturday January 2, 2020 starting at 2pm. Given the COVID-19 pandemic and that many friends and family live outside of Utah, Walker Mortuary will be live streaming the service on their website and then posting the video for a period following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you can honor Patty’s thoughtful spirit by performing a random act of kindness for those you love. That’s what Patty would have wanted most.

Patty always said that when she dies, she hoped those close to her would grieve for a minute, shed a few tears, and then throw a party. Plans are underway, Patty, and it’ll be one for the books.