1932 ~ 2025
Helen Merlyn Chidester Parkin Willoughby, 93, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by her family. Though our hearts are heavy from her passing, we are comforted in knowing she was joyfully received by loved ones who had gone before her.
Born on September 7, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clinton Alfonzo and Jessie Redden Chidester, she was the eldest child and a natural leader. Her compassion and steadiness made her a guide and a comfort to many, especially her younger siblings. She attended South High School and later learned shorthand and typing skills that opened doors for her to work as a secretarial accountant.
Helen married Brent Dwayne Parkin in 1951. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1962. Together they built a lively home filled with laughter, dancing, and eight children who they loved completely. Later divorced, she married Fred Raymond Willoughby in 1978 and gained two stepchildren, Gordon Willoughby and Teri Romero. She and Fred shared a life of faith and companionship, finding fulfillment in serving their community.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Helen found daily solace in her relationship with Heavenly Father. Her testimony of the Savior’s Atonement was deep and personal, expressed through both service and art. She cited scripture when reflecting on life’s joys and making sense of heartaches. She served as a Relief Society and Young Women’s president, wrote and produced the music and scripts for roadshows in her stake, always sharing her talents generously.
Mom possessed an innate sense of creativity and an eye for the finer things. She could turn a humble house into a refuge, grow enormous houseplants that her living room scarcely had space for, and make soup out of anything in the fridge, always ready to host. With her perfectly applied lipstick and polished nails, she carried herself with queenly poise, yet her humor and honesty made her down to earth. Her witty one-liners are recounted with laughter and love.
She was well-read and analytical, often quoting “the greats” of literature at precise moments. A gifted writer, she sent thoughtful letters and notes that are now treasured keepsakes. She adored music, especially the piano, and took pride in the artistic gifts of her children and grandchildren. A talented seamstress, she often made her own clothes from a young age and sewed pajamas and prom dresses for her children. Even in later years, she remained active and curious, tending her flourishing garden (we are still harvesting tomatoes) and walking regularly.
She is survived by her children Kathy Nielsen, Kim Hansen (Mark), Jenny Charlesworth (Randy), Julie Rivera (Manny), Brent Parkin (Bobbi), Troy Parkin, and Scott Parkin (Tarri), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Willoughby; daughter, Debbie Pugmire; daughter-in-law Kristin Parkin; sister, Jeanne Frederickson; and grandsons, Benjamin Parkin and Kevin Herring.
A viewing will be held on October 16th from 7:00-9:00pm with funeral services on October 17th from 9:00-10:00am (Viewing) and 10:00-11:00am (funeral). Both services will be held at the LDS church building: 7500 S. 700 East Midvale, UT 84047. Helen’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who loved and served her throughout her life and to those who worked diligently to make her final chapter comfortable.
Sorry for your loss, the feeling of being left behind is a hard one. We have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who has promised us eternal peace. Hold on to that promise to guide you through. Much love Claudia Skaar
I just want to say how much I enjoyed the friendship that Helen and I had way back
Many years ago. I am so glad that I got to visit with her on her 93rd birthday, such a joy to see this beautiful woman again. I will forever cherish our friendship and the countless times we spent together with all of our children. Your presence here on this earth will be very much missed.
I loved Helen as a sister-in law for 23 years. She was always kind to me. Over the years, we all went separate ways; however, children kept in touch with my children. Helen joins Jean and Amy and others who have gone to our celestial home. Look forward to our heavenly reunion.
Love
Diane Birk Chidester Hartman
Parkin Family, how sweet your mother was and loved her family so much. Any time I saw her she always had a smile and a kind thing to say to me. Know of my love and prayers to your sweet family. Seeing your mom's picture brought back all the fun times I had with your sister Debbie. She was one of my dear dear friends and I miss her dearly. But aren't we so grateful for the knowledge that family goes on, they've both just
We loved you, Helen.
We look forward to seeing you and your family when it is our time to join you and all our love ones who have gone before us.
Helen was a wonderful friend. She will be greatly missed. She was always happy and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. We would meet every week and study scriptures with our family home evening group. Love you Helen.
Kathy,
I am so grateful for the time we shared to talk about our Moms just a couple of weeks ago. What beautifully written words of a life filled with love, faith and family. I hope the wonderful memories of the past will help comfort you and your boys through this time.
She was such a beautiful spirit. Always loved seeing her and her amazing smile. She will be dearly missed!
We were so sorry to learn of Helen's passing. While we know that she is happy and at peace we will miss her here in our ward. Helen has always been a great example of Christ like living. Always faithful, full of the spirit of Heavenly Father and a stalwart in the Gospel. In our many interactions with Helen we always felt of her love and concern. At one point as Stake President I met with Fred and Helen to discuss Fred's political activities that he liked to discuss in church. Helen was the voice of reason and kept Fred grounded and going down the right path. I so appreciated her understanding and willingness to be obedient in all things. Always a lady Helen looked and acted with restraint and beauty. She will be greatly missed. We can gain strength from her strength and testimony of Jesus Christ and her assurance of a life of joy in the world to come. I am sure she is busy helping others in paradise.
It’s hard to even explain in words how dear Helen became to me in the last six or seven years after Fred passed away. We learned that we had so much in common and we spent hours talking, especially about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also did many fun things together, and we were ministering companions, which we loved. She was always so positive and encouraging to me and gave me very wise advice on various occasions which meant so much to me. I admired her in so many ways and felt so lucky to be able to spend so much time with her these last few years. I will miss her terribly! She loved her family with such passion, just as she loved the gospel and the Savior. She always made me feel like she believed in me and that I could do anything.