Patty Lou Nead

Patty Lou (Thompson) Nead returned to her Heavenly Father on April 20, 2026, completing a life defined by courage, devotion, and unwavering faith. She was born on August 3, 1934, the fourth child and only daughter in a home that would fracture early in her childhood. The divorce of her parents marked her life in profound ways. As a young girl and throughout her adolescence, she was often left largely on her own, compelled to shoulder responsibilities far beyond her years. This early adversity forged in her a fierce independence, a deep well of resilience, and a clarity of vision that would shape her family for generations.

At 18 years old, Patty married the love of her life, Elton Duane Nead, who in 2019 preceded her in death. Their marriage was a partnership of absolute commitment. She stood by him through every challenge—financial, cultural, and spiritual—pushing, pulling, encouraging, and loving him into the man he ultimately became. Their union was not only a love story but a story of transformation, devotion, and shared discipleship.

Shortly after their marriage, Patty again stepped into responsibility beyond her years, helping to raise her two younger brothers who found themselves without stable parentage. She became, for them, a source of steadiness, structure, and love—roles she fulfilled without hesitation.

Patty’s perspective—her “greater sight”—was born from hardship. She resolved that her own children would grow up with the guidance, security, and spiritual foundation she herself had lacked. After she and Elton married, the Savior and His restored Church became the guiding light of their home. Christ was not merely a belief; He was the center of her life, her marriage, and her posterity’s path. Her faith shaped every decision, every sacrifice, every hope she carried for her family.

She was the devoted mother of five children, each of whom rose on the strength of her example. She poured her whole soul into them—teaching, correcting, encouraging, and loving with a resolve that never wavered. Her influence extended to her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and all who came after. Her posterity is eternally blessed because of her choices, her sacrifices, and her faith.

Patty was never afraid of hard work. She tackled every project—whether repairing something around the house, managing the family farm, or taking on jobs to support her family—with determination and grit. She milked cows, slopped pigs, raised chickens, built fences, delivered newspapers, waited tables, worked as a secretary to a school superintendent, owned/managed a hot springs resort (teamed with Elton), and drove tractor-trailer trucks (again, teamed with Elton). She even completed her GED while her oldest children were in high school, refusing to let her interrupted education define her future. Her independence was legendary, even when it came at a cost—such as the day she lost an index finger while using a skill saw, undeterred in her effort to fix what needed fixing.

She also brought joy, spontaneity, and a bit of mischief into her home—like the time she changed the rules of a family water fight by dragging a garden hose through the kitchen window to soak Elton and the kids. Her life was a blend of grit and laughter, discipline and delight. Above all, Patty’s legacy is one of faith. She anchored her family to the Savior, to His teachings, and to the covenants she cherished. Her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren walk in the light she kindled. Her influence will echo through generations. She served in various church capacities as a leader and teacher. Moreover, her and Elton served two missions together.

Patty is survived by a posterity of 119 through hers and Elton’s five children and their spouses; James Elton Nead (deceased in 2024), Colleen Labelle and David Hunsaker (Santa Clara, UT), Thomas Ray and Pamela Nead (Washington, UT), Paulette LaFonn (Syracuse, UT) and David Bird (deceased in 2023), and Laura Lee and John Ellison (West Point, UT). Her progeny were the source of her greatest joys.

Patty Lou Thompson Nead lived a life of purpose, sacrifice, and eternal vision. She now rejoices in a longawaited reunion with her beloved Elton, and her legacy continues in the countless lives she shaped with her love.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Glen Eagle 1st Ward meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 3426 West Augusta Drive, Syracuse, UT 84075. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the same location.