Patricia Ann (Murdock) Spencer

Mother we love you, mother we do, Father in Heaven has sent us to you, Mother we love you, mother we do, now you’re in Heaven and we will miss you! Our sweet Mother, Patricia Ann Murdock Spencer returned home on March 12, 2023. During the later years of her life, she faced many different health problems including cancer. She was able to beat the cancer in 2016, but unfortunately it returned in 2020. She fought long and hard, but the treatments were too hard on her body and she ultimately passed away from kidney failure.

Patricia was born on June 5, 1955, Utah to Edward Thomas Murdock and Gloria Palfreyman. She was the third of 4 children and she always shared many stories of her childhood. One of her favorite memories was going on a cross country family vacation. They squoze into the family car and headed east. They were able to visit Washington D.C., New York, and her older brother, Steve, on his mission.

She met her sweetheart and love of her life, Michael Darwin Spencer, when she was just a sophomore at Springville High School. They were in Algebra, Mr. Wilson’s 5th period class. She was lovestruck by his tall, dark, and handsome good looks. It also helped that he was a wiz at math and could help her with her studies. They were married just after she graduated from high school on September 8, 1973. They were sealed in the Provo temple in the fall of 1974.

They established a home in Springville where they started their family. Their first-born son, Michael Patrick, was born in November 1974. Their second child, Wendy Ann, was born in 1977 with their last child, Crystal Joy, born in 1983. Patricia was an extraordinary mother. She loved her children dearly and would do anything for them. She would go out of her way to make things special for them. She was truly one of the best.

Patricia and her family moved back to Mapleton in 1977. She was still residing in Mapleton at the time of her death. During her life she had many different jobs such as working the snack bar at the Pioneer Drive-In in Provo. She also worked at both Central Bank and First Security Bank in Springville. She had many fond memories of these places. However, I think most people would remember her as the “post office lady”. She worked at the counter and knew everyone by name. She worked for the Springville Post Office for 35 years and retired in January 2013.

Patricia was gifted with many talents. She was an excellent painter, pianist, and seamstress. But the thing she loved very most was being a grandma. It shocked her to learn at just 40 years old she was going to become a grandma, but looking back she always said how grateful she was to be a “young” grandma. She loved her grandchildren more than anything in this world! She loved spoiling them, but her favorite thing to do was just being with them and making memories. She

loved taking them out for their birthdays, going swimming in the summers, having sleepovers, and many other things. Her grandchildren were truly her pride and joy! Patricia loved every member of her family with all of her heart.

Patricia had a testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. She never wavered from this known truth. She stood firm in this knowledge even when trials hit. In fact, because of her testimony, she was able to be strong. She served in her Savior’s church in various roles, but one of her favorites was being the Young Women’s President. Patricia had many Christ-like qualities, she was so kind and non-judgmental towards others. She was thoughtful and loving. She was an example to many people.

Patricia is survived by her husband Michael Darwin Spencer -Mapleton and her three children: Mike (Misty) Spencer - Salem, Wendy (Jeff) Pope -Pleasant Grove, and Crystal Spencer- Mapleton. Brother Steve (Janine) Murdock, Sister Nancy (Rick) Newton, and brother Richard (Kathy) Murdock. 8 grandchildren.

She is preceded by her parents Edward Thomas Murdock and Gloria Palfreyman Murdock.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. at the Mapleton Wheeler Mortuary, 82 West 400 North in Mapleton. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 17th at the Mapleton Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

Mom, we will miss you each day and look forward to the day when we can all rejoice in reunion with you.