Lori Ann Patten passed away in her sleep on January 11, 2026, in Spanish Fork, Utah, at the age of 65. Born on October 17, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Bob and Betty Patten, she grew up with that classic Midwestern warmth and work ethic that stayed with her her whole life.
Lori was a true adventurer at heart. She called so many places home over the years — from Ankeny, Iowa, where she graduated high school, to Colorado’s mountains, the sunny beaches of Hollywood, Florida, the bustle of Orange County, California, and finally the beautiful valleys of Utah. Along the way, she studied at the University of Iowa and Broward Community College, building the foundation for a life full of learning and helping others. She had a gift for sales and teaching — whether it was showing folks at Zee Medical how to use life-saving equipment and perform CPR, ringing up customers at AutoZone, or helping families at Menards find just the right tool.
But if you really knew Lori, you knew her heart was in her hands: quilting late into the night, embroidering delicate patterns, collecting beautiful fabrics like treasures, and filling the kitchen with the smell of warm cookies fresh from the oven. She turned every craft project into an act of love.
Lori poured that same energy into people. She made friends wherever she went — the kind of friend who remembered your birthday, listened, and always had a hug ready. She was deeply involved in Cub Scouts, guiding young boys with patience and enthusiasm, and she served faithfully as a temple worker at the Fort Lauderdale Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
We will forever cherish the way she lit up a room with her creativity, her quick laugh, and her endless kindness. She is survived by her four children — Maggie Arnoldus, Rebekah Stephens, Joshua White, and Kelsey Budge — who were her greatest joy; her brother Larry and sister Linda; and her seven precious grandchildren: Jasper, Stillman, Charles, Colt, Jaxon, Calvin, Olivia, and Thomas. (And let’s not forget the countless “adopted” friends she collected along the way — you know who you are.)
Though we ache with missing her, we find comfort knowing she lived a full, colorful life full of love, faith, and handmade beauty. Lori taught us to create, to care, and to keep going — and those lessons will live on in every quilt we wrap around ourselves, every cookie we bake for someone we love, and every kind word we share.
A visitation will be held in Lori’s honor on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 989 South 2550 East, Spanish Fork, Utah at 11:00 a.m.
6 Condolences for Lori Ann Patten
Condolences(6)
MaryLynne Meranda says
January 15, 2026 at 4:27 amRest in Peace, I’ll see you on the other side. Your sister in friendship.
Los Menas - Hollywood, Florida says
January 15, 2026 at 7:49 pmWe are definitely going to miss you Lori. You were a wonderful woman, faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a great friend. Lori was always willing to lend a helping hand and make you smile.
RIP my very dear friend Lori 🙏🫶🙏
Joan Araujo says
January 17, 2026 at 1:21 amRest in Love … I shall always have fond memories of singing with you in the FTL Stake Choir and your beautiful version of Mary Did You know ?
Joan Araujo says
January 17, 2026 at 1:27 amRest in Love friend, I shall always have fond memories of singing with you in the FTL Stake Choir and your beautiful rendition of Mary Did You know ?
Luis Nunez says
January 22, 2026 at 1:23 amLori was such a powerhouse of kindness and hard work, especially in her church callings and with the Cub Scouts. One of the things I loved the most about her was her sense of humor. She had such a gift for making people around her smile. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Luis Nunez says
January 22, 2026 at 1:29 amLori was such a powerhouse of kindness and hard work, especially in her church callings and with the Cub Scouts. My favorite thing about her was her sense of humor. She had such a gift for making people around her smile. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family
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