Colleen Monson Bangerter Obituary (1935 - 2011)

Joy Colleen Monson Bangerter passed away on July 29, 2011 of Alzheimer’s disease, at her home in South Jordan, Utah surrounded by her family. Colleen was born July 6, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Albert J. Monson and Chole Shaw Monson. Colleen was raised in Magna, Utah. She attended Cyprus High School and graduated with accomplished skills as a professional secretary. She worked prior to her marriage for Metropolitan Life. Colleen married her high school sweetheart, Norman H. Bangerter on August 18, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised 7 children. Colleen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints where she served faithfully in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. She served a mission in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband, for the LDS church from 1996 to 1999. Colleen was active in the PTA where she served as president and in other offices. She served as First Lady of the State of Utah from 1985 to 1993. Proactive in the youth and women’s programs, she worked on initiatives with both Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree from Salt Lake Community College, the Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts of America and many other awards from multiple organizations for her public service. She loved the great outdoors where she enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and outings at her family cabin. She loved bowling, tennis, golfing and playing Rook with her family and friends. She was the state Hop Scotch champion in 1947, at the 100th anniversary celebration of the pioneers entering the valley. She was a member of Girls Scouts of America. The most important thing to Colleen was her family. She was totally committed to each of her children and an irreplaceable support to her husband. She was a gracious and genuine hostess at family, church, neighborhood and state functions. Her home was always open to everyone. She is survived by her husband of 58 years. Children – Garret (Karen), Ann (Rick) Gayheart, Jordan (Susan), Blair (LaNae), Alayne (Steve) Isom, Adam (Nicole,) Erdman (Patty) Jake, 30 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, also her sister LaRue (Lee) Kirk, and her brother Jay (Jane) Monson. Preceded in death by her parents and her sister Elayne (Heber) Garside. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Parkway Stake Center 9894 South 2700 West at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will be held Wednesday, August 3 at the Parkway Stake Center from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Thursday prior to the service from 11:00 – 12:30. Interment will be at South Jordan City Cemetery. We express appreciation to Judy Schiffman, her longtime friend, for her loving care in her last months. In lieu of flowers, we request a donation be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund, 50 E. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 or online at www.ldsphilanthropies.org