1938 ~ 2018
Colleen “Wacky” Peterson, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, joker, storyteller, bartender, and all-around mischief-maker, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 30th, 2018.
Colleen was born in Helper, Utah, to William and Maxine Murphy on May 17th, 1938. She spent her childhood in Helper raising heck with her beloved brother and partner in crime, Norman. She later moved to Salt Lake City where she raised her daughter, Debbie, and son, Scott, often playing both roles of mother and father.
To say Colleen was unique is quite an understatement. As one of the first female truck drivers in the state of Utah, she proudly embraced the moniker her fellow drivers bestowed upon her – “Wacky.” And she spent every day thereafter making sure she lived up to that name.
There weren’t many gray areas in Wacky’s life; she either liked you or she didn’t, and it was very clear on which side of that line you fell. But if you were one of the lucky ones she loved, she would do anything for you. She loved with everything she had to give. She especially loved her family, her friends, her dogs, gardening, swimming, crafting, and the ability to speak her mind (if you were ever a recipient of one of her infamous letters, you know what we mean).
Wacky was a long-time member and supporter of Masonic organizations Eastern Star, Ladies’ Oriental Shrine (LOSNA), the Rek-Hers and Job’s Daughters.
She is survived by her daughter and care-giver, Deborah (Dennis) Hodgson, son Scott (Janis) Fausett, brother Norman (Gayle) Murphy, granddaughters Nicole Tattersall, Carrie (Tony) Vigil, Stevie (Dan) Skogerboe, great-grandchildren Elias and Deloni Vigil, and pups Daisy and Henry. Preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Maxine.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Per Colleen’s wishes, her ashes will be taken home to Helper and there will be no service at this time. Instead, please take a moment to let those dearest to you know just how much you love them and how much they mean to you.
Please visit www.premierfuneral.com if you would like to leave condolences online.