Lida H Partridge

 Lida Partridge, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, at home with family by her side. Lida was born in Panguitch, Utah, on December 27, 1942, to Millard and Mary Ellen Hatch. Lida was the eighth of nine children. She loved growing up in a large family in a small town. She loved her siblings and enjoyed spending time with them, telling memories, and laughing. She made many close childhood friends that she cherished throughout her life. Lida was taught to read by her sister, Mamie, at an early age and developed a lifelong love of reading and books. She had a great reading voice and read to many children, including her own. Lida enjoyed volunteering at a local school, tutoring children, and sharing her love of books. Lida graduated from Panguitch High School, where she was involved in cheerleading and was editor of the yearbook. She enjoyed participating in 4H, where she learned to sew clothing, a skill she had utilized throughout her life. Following high school, Lida moved to SLC and graduated from Steven Henniger’s Business College. 

 Lida married her high school sweetheart, Merlin Partridge, on August 10, 1962, in the St. George temple for time and all eternity. Their relationship was a sweet and loving one. They treated each other with kindness and respect and truly enjoyed spending time together. They were blessed with six children whom they loved dearly. Lida used her business education working and putting Merlin through college at the University of Utah. She worked for a time for the Salt Lake Planning Commision. Following the birth of their third child Lida turned her attention to raising her children. Once her children were all in school, she returned to work as a dental office receptionist for Dr. DuWayne Swenson and his wife Bonnie until their retirement. They developed a strong friendship and remained friends for the rest of their lives. Next, Lida was persuaded into babysitting her grandson, Jeff. Word got out that a loving grandma was staying home babysitting. Soon, Lida’s home was a daycare for many lucky children who all called her “Grandma Lida”. She treated them like her own and loved and nurtured them as such. Lida was a happy person with a contagious smile and laugh. She was content with her life and her situation, never dreaming of worldly riches, but finding peace and happiness in her relationship with her Savior and the people in her life. She had a big heart and loved life and people treating everyone with kindness and love. Lida especially loved babies and children. Lida was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various positions throughout her life. Her favorite callings were teaching children. 

 After retirement, Lida and Merlin served three church missions: Arizona, Phoenix; New York, Rochester; and New Zealand, Wellington. Serving these missions was a testament to her faith, as she just wanted to stay home and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She turned out to be a wonderful missionary teaching the gospel with love and compassion. Following their missions, the couple moved to St. George to enjoy the mild winters. Lida welcomed family and friends to visit them in their new home. She opened her home and heart to everyone who entered. 

  Lida was a courageous breast cancer survivor, with her loving husband at her side throughout the entire battle. In their last years, Lida and Merlin were welcomed into the home of their daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Shawn Kearns, who lovingly cared for them until their passing. Farewell for now; we love you so much, our dearest mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. You are in our hearts and memories until we meet again for eternity. Lida is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Norma. Brothers Wendell, Lyle, Carvel, Claude, and Bruce. Lida is survived by her children Rodney (Kimberly), Debbie (Eric), Mary (Shawn), Jan (Keith), John, and Chris (Lindsey); her brother Mark Hatch and sister Mamie Christiansen; seventeen grandchildren and a great-granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a viewing on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Centerville Canyon View Ward. 210 East 1825 North, Centerville, Utah 84014. 

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m at the Canyon View Ward. Lida will be laid to rest following the service at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute https;//give.huntsmancancer.org/page/66450/donate/1