Patricia Dell Gardner Higgins

Patricia Dell Gardner Higgins passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 83. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1941 to Barney and Virginia Gardner, Patricia was the second of four children, cherished sister to Phyllis Moffitt (Bruce), Laing Gardner, and Byron Gardner (Susan).

During World War II, Patricia lived in Ohio before her family relocated to Silver City, NM, and later to Albuquerque, NM where she later met the love of her life. It was at Highland High School, in a Physics class, that she met, Louis T. Higgins III. The two eloped to Juarez, Mexico, in 1958, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 66 years. After joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960, Patricia and Louis were sealed for eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1961.

Together, they raised three children: Patricia D. Higgins, Louis T. Higgins IV (Denise), and Carol Higgins Dyer (Keith). Patricia’s legacy continues through her four granddaughters—Mattie Heiney (Keith), Tiffany Malone (Ryan), Amanda Dyer, and Emily Hone (Trevor)—and her twelve great-grandchildren: Brandon, Dillan, Ethan, and Makayla Heiney; Samuel, Shaun, Sarah, and Shannon Malone; Jaden and Taylor Dyer; Abigail and Johnathan Hone.

A dedicated scholar, Patricia earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas and East Texas State University–Texas A&M, respectively. She was a compassionate mental health professional, working as a psychotherapist in private practice and serving as a clinical provider for LDS Family Services. She also shared her expertise as a university instructor, teaching psychology and related disciplines with insight and care.

Patricia found joy in reading, painting, sewing, and traveling. She loved to travel to Glacier National Park and cruising with her husband, Louis. She delighted in teaching, and serving others. She treasured time with her family and was a guiding light to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A woman of unwavering faith, Patricia had a lifelong belief in Jesus Christ and a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.

She lived by the words: “Nothing has any meaning other than what I choose to give it.” Her life was one of grace, wisdom, and enduring love, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Graveside services will be held at Washington City Cemetery, Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 10 AM. Click HERE for a zoom link. The password is 1234

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humanitarian Aid fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints HERE or your favorite charity.