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Remembering the legacy of Patti Edwards and her impact on BYU football

Enjoy the now. That was the motto Patti Edwards lived by.

Family members and friends gathered to remember Patti Edwards on Feb. 20 in Provo.

Edwards passed away on Feb. 13, reuniting with her husband, LaVell, in time for Valentine’s Day. She was 93.

Photo by Mark A. Philbrick/BYU Photo

Patti Edwards was born in Logan, Utah, and raised in Big Piney, Wyoming. Edwards loved Wyoming, especially the rodeos. Her family lovingly referred to her as “a rodeo queen.”

She met LaVell while they were both attending Utah State University. Despite originally hating football and deftly avoiding LaVell’s football games, Patti later developed a genuine love for the sport.

She was extremely supportive of LaVell’s career as BYU’s head coach and is now known as the First Lady of BYU Football.

Being the wife of a head coach was not always easy for Edwards. After attending a few football games alone, she quickly realized the need for the wives of coaches and players to gather.

Edwards became a founding member of the American Football Coaches’ Wives Association (AFCWA) in 1989, an organization focused on providing camaraderie and support to the wives of American football coaches. She served as its president from 1994-1995.

In addition to her service in the AFCWA, Edwards served a mission with LaVell for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York.

She was also a champion for the Boys & Girls Club of Utah County, and a vocal advocate for children. Through her service, Edwards inspired and influenced those around her.

Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo

Edwards loved her family, and cherished relationships with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would often send them text messages conveying her love, including a variety of emojis.

As many loved ones shared fond memories of Edwards, one thing was clear: Patti Edwards always found a way to smile, laugh, love and serve.