Patricia Ann Mollerup Howell, age 89, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, surrounded by her family.

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Patricia was born to LaMont and Virginia Mollerup on October 20, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a child, “Patsy” (as she was called) contracted rheumatic fever and was lovingly cared for by her grandmother, Sunday Cardall Anderson, with whom she lived during her recovery. That time together created a deep and loving bond between Patricia and her grandmother that remained strong throughout her life.

At age 14, Patricia had a strong desire to learn to play the piano, but her family could not afford lessons. She arranged with renowned piano teacher Nellie DeVroom to babysit Nellie’s children in exchange for piano instruction. Through continued dedication, she became a skilled pianist and went on to serve for many years as an accompanist, piano teacher, and mentor. Most importantly, her music brought great joy into her home and to her family.

Patricia attended West High School in Salt Lake City and graduated in 1954. She was active in Pep Club and proudly remembered being the second tallest girl in her class.

She met her husband, Jerry Howell, during her senior year of high school, and they were married on April 20, 1955. Patricia often described marrying Jerry as the best decision of her life.

Patricia and Jerry made their first home at March Air Force Base in California, where their first child, Dawn, was born. They later returned to Utah so Jerry could attend the University of Utah. During this time, their second child, Robin, was born. After Jerry graduated, the family moved back to California. During this time, Patricia studied and worked as a maternity nurse, and their third child, Brook, was born. After many years in California, Patricia and Jerry moved their family back to Provo, Utah, where they purchased a home in the Edgemont neighborhood. After drinking the miraculous water in Utah, they welcomed their three youngest children—Marlin, Sterling, and Heather—all within three years.

While living in Provo, Patricia started a cleaning business and built a strong reputation through her work. She had many prominent clients, including members of the Osmond family.

Patricia enjoyed baking and cooking for her family. Her grandchildren especially loved her famous Grandma Creer’s chocolate cake. She considered it her signature culinary creation. When asked for the recipe, she shared altered versions, ensuring that the original remained a closely guarded secret. Her daughters in law and granddaughters eventually became wise to her deception when they discovered the original recipe in the local newspaper. Despite her best efforts, the correct recipe lives on!

Patricia’s life was marked by commitment to family, service to others, and a willingness to share her skills and time. Patricia was an accomplished seamstress. She made school clothes, church attire, and baptismal clothing for her children and for others.

Patricia and her husband fostered many children, including those of Native American and Vietnamese heritage. She also provided free piano lessons to children of Laotian and Vietnamese refugees. Together, they opened their home to foreign exchange students, and she considered all of these children a part of her family, leaving a lasting legacy through the many lives they touched.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Patricia's daily life and example provided her children with a foundational understanding of His gospel, for which they are eternally grateful.

Patricia is survived by her children: Dawn (Rockne) Rhodes, Robin (Ken) Bowler, Brook Howell Christensen, Marlin (Stephanie) Howell, Sterling (Shauna) Howell, and Heather Howell; 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and her sister, Jo Funk of Mesquite, Nevada.

Patricia's husband, Jerry Howell, passed away in October 2001. After being widowed, she later married Ralph Allen of Salem, Utah. Following Ralph’s death, Patricia married a dear friend, Dale Froelich. She was also preceded in death by her parents, LaMont and Virginia and brothers, William and Robert.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow at Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State Street, Provo, Utah. Condolences may be extended online at www.bergmortuary.com.