Patricia ”Patty” E. Parchen

03/29/1942 — 07/26/2003

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Denver, Colorado

Patricia ”Patty” E. Parchen

On July 26th, 2003, the soul of an angel passed into eternity.

Patricia ''Patty'' E. Parchen was born in Denver, Colorado on March 29th, 1942 to Geraldine and George Shields. She was born at home, weighing only two and a quarter pounds. Her mother kept her in a wicker basket, laying her next to a wood stove to keep her warm. She defied the survival odds given by the doctor, who refused to write out a birth certificate.

At the age of two she moved with her family to the Tri-Cities. She attended Kennewick and Pasco schools, and at the very young age of twelve she helped keep her family together during a difficult time by raising and caring for six younger siblings.

In late summer of 1958, she met Donald E. Parchen at the home of the Carlton family in Kennewick. They dated and were married on May 1, 1959, at Richland Lutheran Church.

Patty was proud to be an Air Force wife, and while living in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where husband Don was stationed, Patty had 2 sons, Don Jr., and Robert.

Upon returning to the Tri-Cities, Patty was blessed with a third child, a daughter, Debbie.

In 1977 Patty opened Pat's Day Care in her home. She had a rare and special gift of caring for children. She touched the lives of many children and families during her 25 years of providing day care. Pat cared for and shaped the lives and personalities of many young people, including Ryan and Laura Lepel, Kristina Bishop, the two Davids- David Manthei and David Baumann, Lori Baumann, Cortney and Lindsey Gross, Christina Ward, Andrew Verhulp, Justin Priest, Aleana Fletcher, Lena Rachinski, Whitney and Jace King, Savannah Gabel, Christopher and Brian Johnson, Sarah and Jessica Avent, Justin Mueller, Dusty, and so many others over the last 25 years.

A very giving person, Patty spent her time on her family and home. Once when asked what her interests were, she replied, '' Kids, family and my husband.'' One of her happiest memories was the reuniting of her brother and sisters in Cowiche, WA in 1977. She also enjoyed cooking, decorating for the holidays, and was known to never pass a yard sale.

Her parents, and her brother, George Shields Jr., preceded Patty in death.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Don Parchen, Sr., son Don Jr. and his wife Laurie, son Robert and his wife Peggy, daughter Debbie and her husband Kraig Krisher, grandchildren Angela, Becky and Eric Parchen and Kevin and Amanda Krisher, sisters Donna, Linda, Geri, Billie and Debbie, and long time family friend Shirley Powaukee.

A celebration of her life will be held at Einans Funeral Home in Richland on Friday, Aug. 1, at 10 AM with graveside services at Resthaven Cemetery in Richland immediately following. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Patty’s memory to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy/ Hospice or to a children's charity of your choice.

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Patricia ”Patty” E. Parchen

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  • We were so blessed to have Patty watch over our son Justin when he was younger – Justin is soon to be a father for the first time and we only wish that our granddaughter will be lucky to have a daycare provider as loving as Patty was.

    Kelly and Harold Priest
    November 4, 2014
    Benton, City, WA, US
  • Dear Mr.Parchen,

    Although I did not know Patricia well, it was easy to tell what a sweet lady she was. Also the loving care you gave to her was clear to see. It was very special to me to have an opportunity to have a part in her care. Please accept my sincere sympathies.

    Karen Elsner RN

    formly with Option Care

    Karen Elsner RN
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, US
  • Dear Don & family,

    Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May your many memories help you through the hard times. We did not get to know Patty as we would have liked to, but the train trip that we all enjoyed across the Canadian Rockies was the greatest. Patty was so much fun and enjoyed the trip as much as any of us. Sorry we will be unable to attend the service. Love, Tony & Shirley Eglet

    Tony & Shirley Eglet
    November 4, 2014
    Othello, WA, US
  • It is hard to put into words the lose I feel. Pat was a truly good person. Her laughter, smile, joy of all things, her ability to care without question are only a few things that will be missed. I thanked her often for the care and teaching of my granddaughter Savanah. At the age of 2 she could yardsale with the best of them.

    Jenneth Ann Gabel
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • We were so blessed to have Patty watch over our son Justin when he was younger – Justin is soon to be a father for the first time and we only wish that our granddaughter will be lucky to have a daycare provider as loving as Patty was.

    Kelly and Harold Priest
    November 4, 2014
    Benton, City, WA, US
  • Dear Mr.Parchen,

    Although I did not know Patricia well, it was easy to tell what a sweet lady she was. Also the loving care you gave to her was clear to see. It was very special to me to have an opportunity to have a part in her care. Please accept my sincere sympathies.

    Karen Elsner RN

    formly with Option Care

    Karen Elsner RN
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, US
  • Dear Don & family,

    Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May your many memories help you through the hard times. We did not get to know Patty as we would have liked to, but the train trip that we all enjoyed across the Canadian Rockies was the greatest. Patty was so much fun and enjoyed the trip as much as any of us. Sorry we will be unable to attend the service. Love, Tony & Shirley Eglet

    Tony & Shirley Eglet
    November 4, 2014
    Othello, WA, US
  • It is hard to put into words the lose I feel. Pat was a truly good person. Her laughter, smile, joy of all things, her ability to care without question are only a few things that will be missed. I thanked her often for the care and teaching of my granddaughter Savanah. At the age of 2 she could yardsale with the best of them.

    Jenneth Ann Gabel
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • I used to help Don Jr. coach little league baseball and I have memories of Mrs. Parchen always at the games with a big smile. You could see how much she loved watching her grankids and how proud of Don she was. I asked Don about it once about what his Mom did for a living and when he said she takes care of kids I thought how lucky those kids are to have someone so special to watch over them. What a wonderful person!

    Ben C. Hovley
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • A neighbor for nearly 40 years, with a heart of gold and a smile like sunshine. Patty treated my mom like her own. She was with mom through so many hard times. She and Don were my mom’s adopted “kids”. I know she is in heaven watching over her flock of children, both as mother, and caregiver.

    But we will still miss her.

    MLou Williams
    November 4, 2014
    Hermiston, OR, US
  • Don and family, 6 years ago I went thru this with the love of my life of 53 years. so I know what you are going thru. time and our loving lord will be with you

    Douglas Payton
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • I will never forget the smile and the relaxing feeling she felt as I cut and styled her hair. Patty was a sweet, gentle and an extremely fun person to be around. She always had a positive side to everything. I truly enjoyed knowing her. Don, you were blessed to have such a beautiful and caring wife. We truly enjoyed your company sitting at the same table when a member of your working force got married. Take care Don and know we love you and you are always welcome to come over and swim when things get hard. Take care Bud, Mike and Zella Paris

    Mike and Zella Paris
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Don, Sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    Jim & Darvis

    Jim & Darvis Bobo
    November 4, 2014
    Surprise, AZ, US
  • Dear Debbie & Family,

    I’m so very sorry to hear that your mother has passed away. She was a truely wonderful person and I loved to hear her laugh. May you keep your memories of her close to your heart and may God help you through this difficult time.

    Laura Massey Garcia
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
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