Patsy Ruth Gibson Petersen

Washington, Utah – Patsy Ruth Gibson Petersen, 95, passed away August 31, 2023. She was born on February 3, 1928, to Henry Kenneth Gibson and Hannah Mahulda Marchant. She was a Park City, Utah native who could entertain you for hours with stories of her childhood and the lifelong friendships she formed growing up there. It was in Park City where met her one true love, Paul Wright Petersen.
Paul's wartime commitment in the Pacific during WWII took him away from Patsy but not for long. Upon his return to the States, he refused to head back to the naval base without Patsy by his side. Their love story culminated in a joyful wedding on October 13, 1945, setting the stage for an incredible 76 years together.
Their life was nothing short of an adventure, embodying the spirit of the greatest generation. After leaving California, they planted roots in Logan, Utah. Patsy landed a job at the Utah State University bookstore, a role she relished given her sociable nature. Their journey then led them to Ogden, Utah, where Paul pursued a teaching career, while Patsy took on the role of raising four kids, along with a menagerie of pigs, rabbits, geese, cows, and an impressive ten thousand chickens. And let's not forget the constant presence of a small army of puppies. Their neighbor was convinced she'd give birth to their fourth child right in the chicken coop, given how busy she always was!
The family eventually moved to Wellsville, Utah, where Patsy traded her chicken-keeping duties for tending to a bountiful garden, cows, horses, and sewing outfits for her kids. She even pitched in to help her older two children with their paper routes. It was here that their sixth child came into the world. Patsy cherished the many family camping and fishing trips during their time in Wellsville.
When Paul took a teaching position at CSU (now SUU) the family relocated to Cedar City. With her youngest child off to school, Patsy found herself with some free time. She put her sewing skills to work crafting sleeping bags for Coleman and designing costumes for the Utah Shakespearean Festival. She enjoyed attending all the plays and seeing her handiwork up on stage. She enrolled in college during this time to study home economics, aspiring to whip up the most nutritious meals for her family.
Paul's pursuit of a doctorate degree led them to Provo, Utah, where the family settled into a 12x70-foot mobile home. Here, they raised more puppies and, curiously, one chicken (a rooster, to be exact, probably to avoid egg-handling duties).
While she had many jobs outside the home in the different places they lived, her favorite job was working as a waitress at the Sugar Loaf Café after Paul finished school and they returned to Cedar City. She relished the opportunity to chat with patrons and crack jokes with regular customers.
When Patsy and Paul retired, they purchased a fifth-wheel trailer and embarked on summer adventures to destinations like Alaska, Nova Scotia, Baja, Florida, and everywhere in between. Her love for travel was ignited by Paul's army reserve duties that entailed driving a truck and camper filled with kids (and occasionally cousins), to wherever Paul was stationed for his yearly summer camps.
Patsy loved dancing and together with her soul-mate Paul, they were the life of the party on the dance floor. No matter the dance, from waltzes to square dances, they always managed to steal the show.
As they grew older, they continued to explore, though their journeys kept them closer to home Patsy was a spirited 90-year-old when they took their final summer trip to Coleville, Utah. Even though age kept them from traveling far, they loved going to the Wood Ranch where they learned all the roads through every corner of the property. They especially loved their extended ranch family.
Patsy was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While she cherished every calling, her favorites were those that involved the youth of the church.
Through numerous relocations and travels, Patsy made friends everywhere she went. Her infectious smile and quick wit brought joy to even the saddest faces. She was kind and caring and always worried about everybody more than she did herself. She still continued to worry and try to take care of her children when her health caused her to be the one that needed care.
Patsy is survived by her loving family: Terry (Tiffany) Petersen of Cedar City, Jana (Kim) Leany of St. George, Marilyn (Matt) Wood of Cedar City, and Bret (Linda) Petersen of Highland; along with cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; daughters: Connie and Paulette; two granddaughters: Kristy Blackburn and Wendy Wood; and her loyal canine companion, Charlie.
The family would like to thank Jana Leany (daughter) for her devoted love and outstanding care of mom in her final days.
The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to Zions Way Hospice for their compassionate care, especially Michelle Munford Smith, affectionately known as "Hammerhead."
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday prior to services, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the mortuary.
Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, Utah.