Tia Parenzin Johnson's Obituary
On the evening of November 24, 2015, Tia passed away at Intermountain Medical Center in SLC, UT, due to complications from brain surgery. Tia was 18 years old.
Tia was born in SLC, UT on February 17, 1997 to Betsy Corbett and Leonard Johnson. She graduated from Olympus High School in 2015. Tia loved learning and planned to attend college to study biology or another field of science.
Tia was a star in her parents’ eyes. She was baby sister to 6 adoring brothers. She loved and looked up to each and every one of her brothers and their spouses, and cherished any time she was able to spend with them. She was very sociable, and enjoyed any gathering or celebration, but especially enjoyed being with family and friends. Her empathy and compassion made her a loyal daughter, sister, friend and confidante to many.
Tia was very intelligent and confident and knew from a very young age what she wanted, and was unrelenting in her pursuit to obtain it. She was an independent thinker, but was always curious to hear others’ ideas and opinions. Tia excelled in school and in her Debate class. This skill was practiced a lot at home!
Although short, her life was fully packed. She traveled to Europe, Mexico and spent three months in Australia. She made it to many places in the US, including Alaska, Washington DC, Oregon, Washington State and other neighboring states. Also multiple trips to New York, Hawaii, and Vegas. She spent a lot of time at Flaming Gorge where she loved to fish. She also loved to ski. Winter was her favorite season. She was an accomplished photographer.
Tia had grown into a wonderful young woman and we were looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and fulfill her dreams. Our hearts are aching that her life ended far too soon. We will remember Tia for many things, but mostly for the love she shared with us. She will live on in our hearts forevermore.
Tia is preceded in death by her grandparents, JoAnne Corbett, Beverly Johnson, Leonard Johnson Sr. Tia is survived by her parents, Betsy Corbett, Leonard Johnson and Terri Ruesch, brothers, Tony Parenzin (Misty), Kellen Parenzin, Chad Parenzin, Josh Johnson(Rachel), Chad Johnson(Bree), Kenneth Ruesch (Heather), Grandpa James Corbett and Grandma Dawna Ruesch. She has a large extended family of loving nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
We would like to thank the University of Utah Neuro Critical Care Unit and Neuro Rehab Unit, as well as the Promise Hospital, and Intermountain Medical Center staff for the excellent care they gave to Tia.
Please join us in celebrating Tia’s life. We will share memories and pay tribute to Tia on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Dr. SLC, UT. We would love for her family and friends to share anything about Tia.
What’s your fondest memory of Tia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tia?
Share a story where Tia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tia you’ll never forget.
How did Tia make you smile?

