1940 ~ 2025
Thelma Jeanette Parry passed away at the age of 85 on November 12, 2025 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Thelma was born on April 19, 1940 to Robert L. Cottle and Nona T. Cottle in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from West High School in 1958. Thelma married Duane Chandler Parry Jr. on June 26, 1959. Together they raised three sons: Douglas, Gene, and Scott.
Thelma was a stay-at-home mom in the family’s early years until all three boys were in school. During this time, she did work part-time for her sister, Joan, and her husband, Bob. Thelma went to work full-time for the Salt Lake City School District for 30 years as a classroom aide, an assistant buyer in the Purchasing Department, and filled in as the switchboard operator.
Thelma enjoyed the many fishing and camping trips taken and vacations to Southern California as a family when the boys were young. Thelma loved watching her boys play baseball and football during their youth league years and high school, and was their greatest cheerleader. She also supported them in various school events and was very proud of all of their accomplishments. Thelma also supported Doug during his 23 years as an assistant and head high school football and baseball coach. She was also a faithful supporter of her grandchildren in sports and other activities they were involved in.
Thelma always had a love for music, particularly singing. She was a member of school choirs and was also in a quartet and trio and sang with friends at various church functions. Thelma was also the chorister in Primary for many years as a member of the LDS church.
Thelma had a great love for animals her entire life. She had her own horse, Smoky, as a child. She was passionate about dogs, particularly dachshunds. For the last several years she had a chihuahua-dachshund mix named Tory. Tory was Thelma’s shadow. Fittingly, Tory was by her side when she passed away.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years; parents; sisters, Beverly Kobus (Fred) and Joan Hill-Price (Donald and Robert); brother-in-law Ronald Parry; and one niece. She is survived by her three sons: Douglas (Noreen), Gene (Kari), and Scott; five grandchildren: Courtney, Zach (Vanessa), Sami Jo (Kyle), Kolby, and Kade; five great grandchildren: Aisley, Ellianna, Tobias, Aria, and Peyton; two nephews and one niece.
A celebration of life will be held on November 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah. There will be a viewing for family and friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Utah.