Patricia Hoover Tanner

With tender hearts, we announce that our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Patricia Hoover Tanner, returned peacefully to her Heavenly Home on November 26, 2025, in Layton, Utah. She was 89 years old.

Patricia was born on February 12, 1936, in Provo, Utah, to Alice Cowan and Reed Park Hoover, the eldest of three children. She graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City, and that same year on September 14, 1954, she married her eternal companion, David Smith Tanner, in the Salt Lake Temple—a covenant she honored with unwavering faith for the rest of her life.

Their early marriage took them to San Francisco, where David served in the Navy and began his dental schooling. Patricia worked faithfully at his side as his first and last dental assistant. Together they welcomed their first two children, and in time settled in San Jose, California, where their family grew and where countless cherished memories were formed.

Patricia naturally lifted others. She and David hosted an annual neighborhood Christmas gathering, offering their home, their warmth, and often homemade bread delivered with love—and Cox’s honey she delighted in bringing from Utah. Many expressed that stepping into their home felt like stepping into peace.

She was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Patricia served with consecrated devotion: as an early morning seminary teacher, as Relief Society President, and as Stake Relief Society President for nine years. She labored willingly—sometimes quite literally. A treasured photo of her kneeling and smoothing concrete at the newly announced ward building in San Jose beautifully reflects her heart: she served, she built, she blessed.

Sundays in her home were special and sacred—family gathered with freshly popped popcorn, homemade hot chocolate, and The Wonderful World of Disney. Summers brought family road trips, time at their cabin in Twain Harte, treasured visits to extended family in Utah and trips to Disneyland.

In 1991, Patricia and David relocated to Sandy, Utah, where they served faithfully in both the Jordan River Temple and later the Draper Temple. In 1997, they answered a call to serve as full-time missionaries in the Singapore Mission, which included Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, serving with humility and love.

After David’s passing, her daughters created a treasured weekly tradition—“Thursday Girls' Day.” They shopped, visited, shared lunch, and played her favorite game, Five Crowns, where Mom was almost always the champion. Her sister Mary would join in the fun. These moments became a sacred gift.

Patricia was gentle, steady, and Christlike. She treasured temple covenants, loved her family deeply, and lived with quiet grace. She loved shoes, good food, a well-organized recipe collection—and yes, treats. Despite being the wife of a dentist, she happily kept chocolates and gum tucked in drawers throughout her home. Her family affectionately agrees: “We are nearly as sweet as she was”.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Mary Grover, her children: Howard (Trish), Karen (Randy) Pettit, Michele (Scott) Done, David (Kristi), and Catherine (Bill) Stimpson, along with 20 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren (plus another one coming in 2026), & one great great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband David, three children—Jonathan, twins Stephanie and Melanie—her parents, Alice Cowan and Reed Park Hoover, and brother Reed Hoover.

As a family, we extend heartfelt gratitude to friends, ward members, and neighbors who lovingly supported her in her final years. Your kindness eased our burden and blessed her journey.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 11, at 11:00 AM, with a viewing from 9:30–10:45 AM. A prior evening viewing will be held Wednesday, December 10, from 6–8 PM. Location (viewing & funeral): LDS Meetinghouse: 2115 East Creek Road, Sandy, Utah.

Her favorite color is blue. Feel free to wear something blue that day!

How blessed we are to have loved her. How grateful we are to know we will see her again. Because of the Savior Jesus Christ, families are forever — and Patricia Tanner lived in a way that made eternal family not only possible, but beautiful.

To attend virtually, please click the link below or scroll further down the page.

https://youtube.com/live/hS4oNlrvtF0?feature=share