Kathleen Peterson Christensen

Kathy Christensen
Richfield, Utah

Kathleen Peterson Christensen, 77, life-long resident of Richfield, died Sunday January 9, 2022, a week after suffering a severe stroke.  She was surrounded by her family who shared treasured moments of love, appreciation and admiration with her.  Kathy was born May 17, 1944 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She was the second child of G. Vernon and Virginia Erickson Peterson.  When she was two years old, the family moved to Richfield where her father, “Pete the Plumber,” continued the Peterson Plumbing business his father had started as a young man.

Kathy attended Richfield schools from elementary through high school and married Jeffrey Boyd Christensen (deceased) on February 24, 1961 in Ely, Nevada.  They were blessed with three children: Bryant Gray (Staci) Christensen; Holly (Ron) Jorgensen; and Matthew Jeff (Sharie) Christensen.  Kathy was married to John Hales (deceased) December 5, 2005 for a few short years.  He is survived by his two daughters, Christine Nielson and Anne Childs, and their families whom Kathy dearly loved.

Her eight grandchildren: Gray James Christensen, Jeffrey Bryant Christensen, Aaron Dane Jorgensen, Carson Joel Jorgensen, Alyssa Mae Jorgensen, Jordan Jeff Christensen, Gavin Christensen and Josie Lyn Christensen, were the light and love of her life.  She was so proud of them!

While caring for Kathy at her bedside, the family expressed love and admiration for the wonderful person Kathy was. Here is a list the family wishes to share:  very best mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend; honest, compassionate, understanding, passionate, loving, faithful, creative, artistic, resourceful, frugal, enthusiastic, stubborn, independent, hardworking, persevering, resilient, accepting,  Spirit of Richfield, master of common sense, gave people the benefit of the doubt,  studied issues, lifelong learner, leader, teacher, dignified, classy, unfiltered, out-loud thinker, family historian, storyteller, meticulous and methodical, amazing memory, queen of the card clubs, no agenda at city council.  She just wanted the best for the city.  At the end of this family brainstorming one grandchild exclaimed, “She’s worth a thousand words!”

Kathy was far more than a list of descriptive words.  A lifetime’s legacy of action is evidence of her service to and love for others  She was very involved with community and social activities in Richfield.  She was a long-time member of the Lion’s Club.  In her younger years, she and Jeff were active in the Jaycees and Jaycettes.  Jeff was a Richfield City Fireman for many years and Kathy worked in the auxiliary.  They were always looking for ways to serve and were always involved with the city’s 4th of July celebration.  She was a member of the Richfield City Council for three terms and was currently two years into a four-year term which she said was her last.  Kathy could be found going the extra mile by supervising the Christmas lights on main street, working in flower beds at the city office, public library, Senior Citizen Center, and on main street.  She was an avid gardener and had extensively studied the planting and caring for trees.  She organized volunteers for Christmas Tree Lane for years.  The list of examples that showing her love for her Richfield Community is long!  She will be sorely missed by so many!

Kathy’s siblings are;  Elaine Wayland, George V. Peterson Jr. (deceased), Robert E. Peterson (deceased), James H. Peterson, Marial Sorensen (deceased), Donald S. Peterson, William G. Peterson.

Cremation services to be held at the Magleby Mortuary Crematory.  A memorial service will be held at the Sevier County Fair Grounds, Richfield, Utah on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 12:00 Noon.  Afterwards, a light lunch of Kathy’s favorite foods will be served for all who attend.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a Kathy Christensen Memorial Tree Fund to be managed by Richfield City.   Donations will be used to plant and care for the Richfield trees Kathy loved.  The new city park will be a priority.  Make donations payable to Richfield City in Kathy’s name.  Kathy would be so excited about this!

If you are planning to attend the memorial services at the Fair Grounds on the 15th and you have received a knitted doll or other handmade item from Kathy, please bring it with you.  We would like to see what she has done.  (None of us know how many she has knitted!)