Over the last few years, the term “honored pioneer” has been brought up as a part of the Independence Day Parade festivities that might be in need of an update.  Even defining “pioneer” somewhat generously as the second or third generation descendants of the original settlers of the valley is getting to be a bit distant from the source.  So, the options have been to come up with another name, or come up with another way to explain what the name means.  As to the first, everyone still loves the word pioneer.  It’s not surprising, of course.  Malad is tied very directly to the pioneers who came west with the saints, and then even more directly with the saints who pioneered north from what would eventually become Utah.  Cowboys, pioneers, and a strong western flavor still dominate the land here.

So it’s really the second option—adding to what “pioneer” might mean—that looks the most promising going forward.  

Patsy (Roderick) Bybee is without a doubt a pioneer.  As far as her family bona fides go, she is the descendant of Vera Price, who was the daughter of William Price, who was the son of John Evan Price Junior, who was the son of John Evan Price, who was one of the first settlers of the valley.

But even beyond that direct line back to that kind of pioneers, she has carved out a unique and trailblazing path for her own life.  Along with her later husband Andrew (Andy) she is an important part of what made the Malad Valley into what it is today, and even the whole region.  From her beginnings in the Malad area, through stops in a number of towns in Idaho and Utah, and now to Pleasantview, Patsy has been a part of all of those places and left a legacy of joy and dancing behind her.

“I grew up right here where I live. I spent my first twelve years across the road, and my next six years next door, and then we moved to Salt Lake where my husband was working,” she explains.  When their kids were very young, the Bybees moved back and forth from Malad, to Salt Lake where Andy had work, to Logan, then Soda Springs, Jerome, a return to Soda, and finally back to Pleasantview where it had all originally started for her.  

She fondly remembers spending time with her father, John Roderick.  “My favorite thing other than dance was working cattle with my dad.  He has always been my idol.  He was my bishop for about twelve years, too!”

Patsy has a lifelong love of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served with her husband in the now non-existent “regional dance director” position while they were in Salt Lake.  “I had taught dance since I was a junior in high school,” Patsy says, “and I have always loved it!”  The regional dance directors were the people, often couples, who taught dances to the leaders from wards and stakes around the area.  “Every stake had dance leaders at that time, and most everyone liked to dance.  And they should—it’s a lot of fun, and it keeps people out of trouble,” she laughs.

The dances were part of June Conference, which is another thing that was once widely celebrated and now resides where memories of Road Shows, Church Softball, and Pageants rest.  June Conference was a session during the year that was specifically set aside for young adults.

Not all her dancing was as part of a church calling, however.  “Nearly everywhere we’ve lived we’ve either joined or organized a group for square dancing.  We love to square dance!” she says.  

She had some other exciting times in the world of dance as well.  Her proudest moment was being given the opportunity to try out for the Rockettes.  “I can’t imagine living in New York City,” Patsy reflects, “and I’m glad I didn’t.  I would have missed out on a great life here.”  She ended up being becoming busy with a young family that would eventually consist of eight children and many grandchildren.

In addition to dance, Patsy also has a long history with playing the organ.  “I’ve played the organ since I was eleven years old,” she says.  “But I’ve never gotten any better—that’s what makes me feel bad,” she grins.  

Along the way, she worked with the Ambulance Service and at Thiokol, in addition to many groups and organizations.  

She was a pioneering member of the Welsh Society, of which she has been a proud member for many years.  She worked with the Iron Door Playhouse and local theatre groups for those same many years, so much so that actors used to refer to her as the “Drama Mother”.  

The many lives she has affected will continue to be a positive influence on the valley, from those she taught to dance many over the years, to her own children.  Her son Corey was recently featured on KSL.com for his work to honor returning soldiers in Bluffdale, and we will bring you that story soon.  In the meantime, Patsy will be one of the honored guests at this year’s Independence Day Parade, an honor which is truly deserved. 

Like many people who have been in the Valley for  generations, Patsy has seen things change over time.  Some of the older people she grew up around have passed on, and plenty of newer people have moved in to take their places.  Shops and other buildings that used to be familiar sights have been replaced.  But Patsy has demonstrated a great ability to be both hold a strong core for herself and her family, while also managing to change as needed with time and circumstance.  You could almost call it a dance!