Patricia Claire Whitehead Smith Cobia

Patricia Claire Whitehead Smith Cobia July 12,1931 - October 14, 2024 On October 14, 2024 our beloved mother passed away and returned home to her sweetheart and heavenly home. Patricia is survived by her children, LeeAnn (Rick) Klemetson, Richard (Tiffany) Cobia, and Kathy (David) Jacobson, their 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Patricia was born July 12, 1931 in St. George Utah to William Arthur Whitehead and Clara Myrtle Watson. When Patricia was two weeks old her mother Clara passed away and Patricia moved to Salt Lake City and was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Leah Whitehead and Nathaniel Libby Smith. Her father Nathaniel then passed away when Patricia was four years old. Patricia grew up in a loving home. Due to the loss of her father she particularly enjoyed her close association with her uncle George Albert Smith. Finances were a struggle for Patricia and her mother in her growing years. Therefore they moved a lot and often lived with family. In her grade years she attended Uintah and Hawthorne Elementary Schools, Irving Jr High and South High School. She never liked going to school because it was difficult for her. Despite this, Patricia attended LDS business college and received secretarial training. She then became the breadwinner for her and her mother. Patricia worked for a number of different businesses ending her career working as secretary to the Vice President of The University of Utah, G. Homer Durham. Pat met her sweetheart, David Woodruff Cobia, at church when he was serving as Elders Quorum President while Patricia served as MIA president. They were married on August 28, 1961, days before they needed to move to Lafayette, IN so David could attend Purdue University to obtain his doctorate degree. While there their first two children were born to them, LeeAnn and Rick. Upon graduation, David and Pat moved to Fargo, ND where Kathy was born and they raised their children. Pat was very active in her faith and church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and held many callings, including ward and stake Relief Society President. She was also very supportive of her husband’s callings as he served as District President and later typed almost 1,000 Patriarchal Blessings as David served as Patriarch. In 1998 both David and Pat served an office mission for 18 months in the Melbourne West Australia Mission. After their mission they moved to Provo, Utah where they lived for 24 years. While there they loved the friendships they developed in their ward and neighborhood, as well as serving in the Provo Temple together each week. Pat was well known for her love of BYU football. Every year, David would display a countdown of how many days till the first BYU football game. Pat was very artistic. She was very studious in learning various types of art including but not limited to Bavarian Folk Art and pencil drawings. She became very proficient in these areas. Pat displayed a very fun sense of humor which lasted up until the end. She also had the kindest heart. She loved and showed interest in anyone who came across her path. All of her children and grandchildren felt so loved by her. Her grandchildren in Utah never felt like they could get married until they got the approval of their grandma. Pat’s effect on the world will go on through the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Patricia Claire Whitehead Smith Cobia

July 12, 1931 - October 14, 2024