Yvonne Stott Parkinson

Yvonne Stott Parkinson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on December 27, 2024, at the age of 89. She was born to Vau Ness and Wesley Stott in Heber City, Utah, on October 6, 1935. Yvonne grew up on a poultry farm in Meadow, UT before her family moved to Milford, UT, and eventually Beaver, UT. As a teenager she attended Beaver High School and graduated as Valedictorian in 1953.

During high school, Yvonne began dating Varnel Limb Parkinson. They were married civilly on August 11, 1953 and, with special permission from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were sealed two days later at the Idaho Falls Temple.

Yvonne and Varnel moved to Salt Lake City in 1954, where they made their home and raised their five children. In 1957 they purchased a house in the Rose Park community, where they became integral parts of their ward and stake families. Throughout her life, Yvonne served in numerous church callings, some of which included: Cub Scout Leader for each of her sons, Ward Relief Society President, Ward Young Women’s President, Ward Food Storage Coordinator, and Stake Librarian.

As a steadfast disciple of Jesus Christ, Yvonne lived her faith daily. She was known for her service to others and offering love, support, and kindness to all around her. She and Varnel opened their hearts and home to their neighbors and friends, exemplifying Christlike love and generosity. One of the most cherished parts of Yvonne’s life was the opportunity she and Varnel had to host two girls through the LDS Indian Placement Program. Even after the girls returned home, Yvonne still kept in contact with each of them and loved them like her own.

Yvonne and Varnel shared a deep love for adventure, and they enjoyed their time camping and traveling the world. One of the highlights of their life together was their mission to Ireland in 1993 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There they served with dedication and love, forming lasting bonds with those they met during their time there.

Outside of serving others, genealogy was Yvonne’s passion. It started as a young girl when she began to keep a detailed personal journal each day. During her life she went on to compile extensive records for both sides of the family and completing temple work for those deceased. However, her final crowning achievement was the history she compiled and wrote for her husband that was published into a book earlier this month. It was this project that kept Yvonne going since the death of Varnel in 2016, and she was able to see the official printed copy of it for the first time just days before she passed.

Yvonne's legacy of faith, service, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her five children Roger (Tammy) Parkinson, Gloria (Brent) Savage, Blair (Lourrie) Parkinson, Cindy (Randy) DeYoung, and Kelly (Pennie) Parkinson; as well as 16 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Varnel, siblings: Francés Gale (Doug), and Nyle Stott (Connie), grandson Craig Nikolas “Nick” Bardsley, and great grandchildren Emma and Oliver Hester.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday January 11, 2025 at the Rose Park Stake Center (760 N 1200 W, Salt Lake City, UT). A viewing will be held at the stake center Friday January 10th from 6-8pm, and again on Saturday the 11th from 10-10:45am before the funeral.

For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom, at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85928681816

Yvonne's family expresses their deepest gratitude for the love and support extended to them during this time and are grateful for the knowledge that families are forever.