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.