Patsy Spencer Cottam, age 89, Beloved Mother, Grandmother and dear friend returned home to our Heavenly Father surrounded by loved ones on April 4, 2020, at Utah Valley Hospital, Provo, Utah. She was born in Provo, Utah, on April 17, 1930, to kind and faithful parents, Usher Lazell Spencer and Eva Griffin. Patsy grew up in Escalante, Utah where she found her “match made in heaven,” Garl S. Cottam.
Music was ingrained in Patsy from an early age. She played the piccolo in an all girl’s orchestra/dance band as a young lady in Escalante and she loved to dance. Prior to moving to West Mountain (Payson area), Patsy and Garl lived in the Grandview area of Provo, Utah, for 59 years where they raised their family. Patsy absolutely loved being a wife and mom . . . and later . . . grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. Family was supreme on her list. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Patsy served in many stake and ward callings—often in music responsibilities. In her later years, she served in the bride’s room in the Payson Temple, which she loved. Patsy was a brief member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP). Discovering the stories of her ancestors became a great focus in her life after her Sweetheart passed away. She dedicated hours for many years researching, writing and recording stories of her progenitors as well as preserving her personal history. It is HER gift to posterity.
Patsy was the personification of service. Many family, friends and neighbors alike often enjoyed her delicious (and the best) homemade rolls and honey candy. One rarely left her home without something delicious in their hands. She never failed to send a thank you note when she was the recipient of kindness. Patsy’s love of God, her precious family, ability to forgive, to work hard and provide service to anyone in need will serve as a beacon of goodness and light for generations to come.
Patsy is survived by her children: Tom (Ruth ) Cottam, Bruce (Cheryl) Cottam, Rose Marie (John) Nelson, Layne (Colleen) Cottam, Stanley (Cheryl) Cottam, Tracy (Bonnie) Cottam; 23 grandchildren, 40 greatgrandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Patsy was preceded in death by her sweetheart, Garl S. Cottam; her parents and two brothers: Usher Stanley Spencer and Karl Freeman Spencer. “We want no empty chairs in Heaven” was her expressed desire until that great and eternal family reunion. We love you. We miss you beloved mother, grandmother and friend.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Stonehenge in Springville, Utah for their kindness and care of their mom. Also, they express heart-felt gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s West Mountain 1st Ward members, neighbors and friends for their years of dedication and service to her.
There will be a viewing at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork, Utah. on Thursday, April 9th, from 4 to 7 pm for those wishing to pay respects to Patsy. The family will not be in attendance at viewing. Private family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 10th, in Springville, Utah.
6 Condolences for Patsy Spencer Cottam
Condolences(6)
Gwendolyn says
April 7, 2020 at 3:04 amWhat an awesome posterity Patsy and Garl leave briefly behind. The watchful and tender care given to her over the years is inspiring and she often expressed what good kids ( posterity) she had. Thank you for your many examples of nurturing in the spirit of love, dedication and kindness. I miss my dear and sweet friend, our conversations and will rejoice in the day when she can teach me how to dance! With love and fondness.
Louise Parry says
April 7, 2020 at 3:08 amLove and prayers to the Cottam family, but especially to my sister and brother Rose and John Nelson. Hugs to you. Louise Parry
Richard Lowe says
April 7, 2020 at 9:22 pmOur prayers are with the Cottam family. I loved Mrs. Cottam. Having grown up just through the block, we were very close friends. Great memories. I wish things could be different. I would love seeing the family and giving big hugs.
Sunia Spencer says
April 7, 2020 at 9:53 pmI love you so much, Aunt Patsy. No secondary member of either family side showed as much love towards me than her. She told me “Garl and your dad are calling me…” when last we spoke. I hope she’s with them now.
Colleen Harris Jr. says
April 8, 2020 at 12:26 amShe was such a cute ball of fire, she could anyone feel better. She has got to be hugging every person in the next realm, happy/glad to see so many and happy/sad at leaving so many good descendants for a while. Love to Rosie and all. This being the adult stuff is not for sissies.
Gary and Margie Harward says
April 8, 2020 at 5:51 pmI was able to spend many years singing with Patsy. She was so fun to be around, and I loved her laugh. She and Garl were great neighbors, even after we bought their home we still live in and they moved a couple of blocks away. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Know that we love you.
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