Leilani O'Brien Obituary (2024)

Leilani Jean (Parrish) OBrien, 84, of Yakima, WA passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of May 4, 2024. Leilani was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 15, 1939, the first of seven children, to Charles and Pearl Parrish. Due to her fathers career, their family moved often. They lived in Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho before settling in Washington. She went to school in Prosser WA, graduating in 1957. She attended college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she graduated with a Physical Education Major in 1964. She taught PE, Math and English at Piute HS in Junction, Utah. She moved to Las Vegas to teach PE and it was there that she met Richard through one of her students. Leilani married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) OBrien on August 7, 1968. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Utah Temple on October 6, 1970. They were blessed with two children, Rich and Deanna. Leilani loved her family with all her soul and was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, and aunt. Family was very important to her. Leilani and Richard lived in Las Vegas, Grandview, Walla Walla, and Burbank before settling and spending the last 36 years in Yakima. Leilani was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she held many service callings; primary chorister was her favorite. She loved the beach, traveling, playing board and card games, and playing sports. She loved Elvis and collected many items. She also collected baseball cards and Beanie Babies. She endured many physical challenges after her stroke in June of 1999. Despite her challenges, she always had a smile on her face and never complained, but rather used her experience to find what her purpose in life was and strived to please her Father in Heaven. She had a heart of gold with an infectious smile and laugh. She truly was a blessing from above and will sorely be missed. She leaves behind her loving husband, Richard, whom she adored, a daughter, Deanna Quenzer, 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, siblings: Peggy Scrimsher, James (Carlene) Parrish, Terry (LeeAnne) Parrish, Velma (Bart) Bradshaw, very special sisters-in-law Geraldine Lamson and Sharon Parrish, many nieces and nephews and several friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Pearl Parrish; son, Richard OBrien and his wife Robin OBrien; grandson, Logan OBrien; brother Chuck Parrish and a wonderful brother-in-law Gary Scrimsher. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 105 Hillcrest Drive in Terrace Heights Yakima, Washington, with a viewing prior from 9:00-9:50am. A Graveside Service will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Visitation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Saturday, May 18, 2024 9:00 AM 105 S. Hillcrest Drive Yakima, WA 98901 Funeral Service The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 AM 105 S. Hillcrest Drive Yakima, WA 98901 Graveside Service Terrace Heights Memorial Park Saturday, May 18, 2024 11:00 AM 3001 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901