Kathleen S. Petersen

Kathleen S. Petersen, 74, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2021, after a long and brave fight with cancer. She was born April 30, 1947, to DeVere J. and Rae (Ward) Sparrow in Ogden, Utah. She attended Bonneville High School and married her high school sweetheart Jerry H. Petersen on October 11, 1963, in Ogden, Utah.

Kathy was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was immensely kind-hearted, and exuded class and grace in everything she did. She was a cosmetologist as a young professional and attended Hollywood Beauty College. She worked at George’s 700 Beauty Shop before she opened and operated B&K Hair Fashions with her friend and business partner Beth Winward. She subsequently retired from cosmetology but continued to offer her services to special friends and family throughout her life. She always seemed to have perfect hair, whether long or short, or even if it was barely starting to grow back from chemotherapy.
There are many things in life which Kathy enjoyed, but spending time with family and friends was her top priority, and truly her greatest joy. Whether it was shopping, traveling, attending events, dining out, or inviting people into her home for gatherings, Kathy’s favorite thing was to be in the company of her family and friends enjoying conversation and the genuine fellowship which follows. She really enjoyed baking, and some of her recipes were featured in the magazine Where Women Cook. She taught her daughter and granddaughters to bake and they continue to follow in her footsteps providing comfort and joy to those who delight in the smell of the kitchen and then of course what they pull from the oven. Kathy was also a very shrewd card player, no matter the game. She enjoyed her bridge club and all the many friendships that were developed playing cards. She loved winning; but Kathy loved the comradery most of all.
While she was always an inspiring person with an amazing heart, nothing was more inspiring than her fight against ovarian cancer and ultimately leukemia. Kathy was first diagnosed with cancer in the year 2013 and bravely combatted the disease for eight challenging and hard-fought years. Everyone in her life was lucky to have such an extended and priceless time with Kathy following her grave diagnosis. For her family, this was invaluable, and we are all truly blessed. Kathy’s fight against cancer was a true inspiration of strength, courage, faith, and wisdom. Her family and friends have been privileged to have learned so much from her incredible example.
Kathleen S. Petersen is survived by her loving husband Jerry H. Petersen; her son Erik J. (Sarah) Petersen; her daughter Morgan P. (Blake) Keyes; and her beloved “Sparrow Sisters” Judy (Gene) Chambers, Carol (Barry) Roberts, Jill (Albert) Dickson, Lori (Glen) Woolsey, and Lesa (Cal) Bambrough. She is blessed with three grandchildren, Corrine Kathleen Keyes, Chanel Kendell Keyes, and Katiana J. Petersen. She was also an amazing and beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, plus many others who considered her their “aunt Kathy”, and whom she truly considered her extended family.
Aside from her home in South Ogden, Utah, Kathy resided in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in a magnificent log home which she helped design and where she spent much of her time with her husband and their many friends in Teton valley.
She was preceded in death by her enterprising and loving father DeVere J. Sparrow and her kind and loving mother Rae (Ward) Sparrow, as well as three infant siblings, Gaylon, Connie, and Shirley.
Private memorial services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to: give.huntsmancancer.org
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Leavitt’s Mortuary.