PHYLLIS ARLENE HAYES PARRENT
PHYLLIS ARLENE HAYES PARRENT:
April 5, 1930–Aug. 20, 2026
Phyllis Arlene Hayes Parrent, 96, passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Arlene entered the world on April 5, 1930, born to Allen and Lela Hayes as the oldest of four children. She grew up in a tarpaper shack the first 14 years of her life on Fiddler Creek. She spent her life sharing fond stories and cherished memories of her time spent there. She enjoyed farming, milking cows, and herding sheep with her dog, Shep.
Music was the heartbeat of Arlene’s life. Growing up she was always tapping her toes and singing, a joy she carried with her until the very end. She was famously known for singing “Happy Birthday” to almost everyone she knew. Gifted with the ability to play several instruments, she loved making music with her dad, uncles and anyone who could drum up a tune. She played for local dances, enjoyed good old country music, and could sing a hymn with the best of them. She found fellowship at the United Methodist Church. Playing music for her family brought her immense joy, and she was always rewarded with smiles.
A woman of remarkable strength, Arlene took life by the reins. Part of a resilient generation, she grew up knowing that things were rarely easy, but she never once complained. Instead, she chose to live by a simple rule: put one foot in front of the other. Her hard-working spirit defined her life. Over the years, she worked continuously as a cook, a waitress, a bartender, and a familiar face at Upton Drug for many years. To everyone she met, she was a friendly, welcoming soul who was always ready for a good laugh.
In her later years, Arlene resided at the assisted living community in Upton, Wyoming. She became a fixture of the neighborhood, always greeting passing drivers and walkers with an enthusiastic wave. Her family will forever miss seeing her sweet, smiling face peering out her window to welcome them whenever they drove up for a visit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Arlene is survived by one step-brother, Terry; sister, Rose; her children, Shirley (Rich) Hillman, Rhonda Hill, Bettie (George) Vrana, Guy (Jenny) Phillips, and Jackie Materi. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Randy (Elaine), Justin (Tiffany), Jamie (Brian) Brandon (Michelle), Jory, Josh (Katie), Jessica (Vic), Kristyn (Jeremy), Keith, Bryton, Brooklyn, and Breeley; as well as 15 cherished great-grandchildren, Julie, Luke, Brilynn, Andrew, Kade, Stetson, Caleb, Keenan, Kemper, Ravyn, Bella, Karmyn, Roman, Maya, Remi.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Lela Hayes; her siblings, including Doris, Betty Lou, and Ernest Hayes; her beloved son, Bobby Henderson; and her son-in-law, Dustin Materi.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Upton Community Center in Upton. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Upton.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.