Colleen Murphy Fish

COLLEEN MURPHY FISH Colleen Murphy Fish, age 71, passed away on January 5, 2025, at her cabin in Fruitland, Utah. She was also known as, MURFISH. She was born to Arvill Leroy Murphy and Eleanora Edgley Riley Murphy on December 27, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Colleen was raised with her brother Richard Leroy Murphy in Tooele, Utah. Colleen told stories of her early childhood that included many adventures she would have with her cousins who would stay with her family. She talked of many family fishing trips to Strawberry Reservoir. One of her famous stories is when she decided to test out a theory that dogs could find their way home. As she sat in the back seat of her parents' moving vehicle, she decided to throw her dog out the door to see if he could find his way home. The dog didn't agree to the experiment and decided to take her with him. This ended up with a trip to the ER and Colleen's tongue being stitched back together. The dog was fine. Colleen met Scott Allen Fish while in high school, and they were married on June 26, 1971, in Tooele, Utah. Colleen had a great desire to be a mom and raise a large family. She was quickly blessed with her firstborn, little genius Chad. Shortly after, Scott and Colleen moved to San Diego, California, as a Navy Family. While soaking up the sun, she prayed for a redheaded, freckled girl and was blessed with Kellie. The family returned to Tooele and their beautiful and creative daughter, Megan, followed until Colleen's favorite child, William ("BJ," Billy," "Will"), was born. She admitted that Will is her favorite. She loved her children ferociously; she could transform into Mama Bear quickly. She would do anything to protect her children and make sure they were treated fairly. She was that mom you could hear above anyone else at a sporting event. They remained in Tooele until 1984 when Colleen made a deal with God and He sent them packing to Challis, Idaho. In 1989, they headed for the evergreens in North Bend, Washington. In 1994, Colleen got her way and moved back to Tooele where Colleen and Scott remained until her retirement from Tooele County in 2015. It was Colleen's longtime dream of spending her retirement years in Fruitland where she could landscape and cultivate a home on the land she inherited from her parents. She has spent her remaining years in Fruitland working on her gardens and helping Scott landscape the land. Colleen was known for her love of gardens and extensive knowledge of plants. Colleen was also passionate about her crafts. Her children spent hours in craft and fabric stores growing up, but they all benefitted from her talents and the beautiful things she would create. Everywhere she went, she had her bag of yarn and crochet hooks to keep herself occupied. She enjoyed traveling and was blessed to be able to visit a few foreign countries, particularly Ireland. She had a lifetime dream to visit the land of her ancestors and was able to explore Ireland with family last October. Colleen's friends were very important to her. She loved them like they were sisters and has remained friends with some for over 50 years. If you were lucky enough to be friends with her, it was for a lifetime. She made sure to stay in touch with everyone. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren. They are her pride and joy! She embraced the calling of being a sassy grandma wholeheartedly. Colleen wass a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed serving in various callings. She had a strong faith in her Savior and knew that life is eternal. Colleen is survived by her eternal companion of 53 years, Scott; her children, Chad (Leni) Fish, Kellie Fish, Megan (Tyler) Haddix, and Will (Alicia) Fish; her many grandchildren, Tamires (Claudio) De Jesus, Raquel (Wyatt) Glad, Anthony (Emily) Fish, Kate (JC) Knight, Millicent Fish, Charlotte Fish, Rosetta Fish and Beckham Fish; great-grandchildren, Gianna Henrique and Mia Glad; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Nannette and Dennis Pratt; Debbie and Mike Edwards; Kenny and Susan Fish; Deanne and Jack Golding; Jenefer Fish; and Linda Murphy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor and Arvill; brother, Richard; parents-in-law, Bill & Gloria Jensen Fish; and great-granddaughter, Eloisa De Jesus. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Fruitland, Utah. A viewing will be held that morning from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The interment will be at the Fruitland Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.hullingermortuary.com