Helen Ruth Gustavson Peterson

Helen Ruth Peterson, 82, passed away on October 5, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Helen was born in a little 2-bedroom house in Springville, Utah on July 18, 1939. Helen was the second of three daughters born to Carl Gustavson and Norma Nilsen Gustavson.

While attending Springville High School, she was active in the Pep Club and orchestra, and was both a participant and teacher in the children and youth programs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Helen was introduced to the love of her life by a neighbor and mutual friend. She married James Gary Peterson in the Salt Lake Temple on August 9, 1957.

Jim’s career lead them to move often, making new homes in numerous locations around the country. Helen’s dedication and devotion to her family helped them flourish as they faced challenges of raising three children.

Helen loved learning and took advantage of opportunities to study the gospel, enrich her artistic talents, and share the joy she found in life. Family and friends benefitted from the love she shared and the fun she cultivated. True to her ever present sense of adventure, Helen learned to snowboard as a grandmother, coached by her sons and cheered on by her grandchildren. Family game nights, squirt gun fights, puppet shows and lots of laughter dominated any gathering.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jim Peterson, and their children, Alan (Julie), Lisa (Gary), and Carl, her sister, LuAnn (Hake) Kaanta. Helen has fourteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

The family is deeply appreciative to The Ridge Cottonwood and to Utah Home Health and Hospice for the care and compassion they provided.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 9 at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 2522 East 6710 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same location on Friday, October 8, from 6 to 8 PM, and on Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.

The service will be streamed at ch7ward.com

Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah.