Helen Merlyn Willoughby

Helen Merlyn Chidester Parkin Willoughby, 93, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by her family. Though our hearts are heavy from her passing, we are comforted in knowing she was joyfully received by loved ones who had gone before her.

Born on September 7, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clinton Alfonzo and Jessie Redden Chidester, she was the eldest child and a natural leader. Her compassion and steadiness made her a guide and a comfort to many, especially her younger siblings. She attended South High School and later learned shorthand and typing skills that opened doors for her to work as a secretarial accountant.

Helen married Brent Dwayne Parkin in 1951. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1962. Together they built a lively home filled with laughter, dancing, and eight children who they loved completely. Later divorced, she married Fred Raymond Willoughby in 1978 and gained two stepchildren, Gordon Willoughby and Teri Romero. She and Fred shared a life of faith and companionship, finding fulfillment in serving their community.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Helen found daily solace in her relationship with Heavenly Father. Her testimony of the Savior's Atonement was deep and personal, expressed through both service and art. She cited scripture when reflecting on life's joys and making sense of heartaches. She served as a Relief Society and Young Women's president, wrote and produced the music and scripts for roadshows in her stake, always sharing her talents generously.

Mom possessed an innate sense of creativity and an eye for the finer things. She could turn a humble house into a refuge, grow enormous houseplants that her living room scarcely had space for, and make soup out of anything in the fridge, always ready to host. With her perfectly applied lipstick and polished nails, she carried herself with queenly poise, yet her humor and honesty made her down to earth. Her witty one-liners are recounted with laughter and love.

She was well-read and analytical, often quoting "the greats" of literature at precise moments. A gifted writer, she sent thoughtful letters and notes that are now treasured keepsakes. She adored music, especially the piano, and took pride in the artistic gifts of her children and grandchildren. A talented seamstress, she often made her own clothes from a young age and sewed pajamas and prom dresses for her children. Even in later years, she remained active and curious, tending her flourishing garden (we are still harvesting tomatoes) and walking regularly.

She is survived by her children Kathy Nielsen, Kim Hansen (Mark), Jenny Charlesworth (Randy), Julie Rivera (Manny), Brent Parkin (Bobbi), Troy Parkin, and Scott Parkin (Tarri), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Willoughby; daughter, Debbie Pugmire; daughter-in-law Kristin Parkin; sister, Jeanne Frederickson; and grandsons, Benjamin Parkin and Kevin Herring.

A viewing will be held on October 16th from 7:00-9:00pm with funeral services on October 17th from 9:00-10:00am (Viewing) and 10:00-11:00am (funeral). Both services will be held at the LDS church building: 7500 S. 700 East Midvale, UT 84047. Helen's family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who loved and served her throughout her life and to those who worked diligently to make her final chapter comfortable.