Colleen M. Hayden

Sandy, UT—Colleen Mickelson, the only child of Ralph Mickelson of Manti, Utah and Delilla Stark of Marysvale, Utah was born on September 7, 1933 in Salina, Utah. Their small family lived in Marysvale where Colleen attended school through the second grade. Ralph worked on the state roads driving heavy equipment. During that time the family would travel during the summer months to wherever "daddy was working" and lived in a box trailer that Ralph's brothers had built for them. Colleen had fond memories of her mother's parents and their extended family during those years in Marysvale. When Colleen was about 8 years old and entering the 3rd grade, the family moved north to Riverdale, Utah. Ogden and the surrounding area would be the Mickelson's home for the rest of their lives and Colleen's home until she married and moved away. When Colleen was about 15 years old her parents bought what would be their only home on Evelyn Road in South Ogden. Colleen's children have many fond memories of summer vacations visiting Grandma and Grandpa Mickelson in that home. Colleen attended Weber High School where she met John Robert Hayden (Bob). After marrying in 1952, Colleen and Bob packed up their car and moved to Southern California where Bob pursued his education UCLA. In 1953 the first of their four children, Corey, was born followed by Linda, Rodney and Scott. Over the next 20 years, they moved frequently as Bob developed his sales career. The family lived in Arizona, in Southern California again, Salt Lake City, and then in Los Altos, California. After separating in 1973 and later divorcing, the devoted wife and mother, suddenly had to think of a career. She decided to return to school and subsequently obtained a degree in nursing. She spent the next 25 years working for the Veteran's Administration, first at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, California and then, when she relocated to Sandy, Utah in 1984 finishing her career at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. Colleen was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years Colleen served selflessly in the Church and the community. During her time in Sandy she served in many capacities including Primary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Relief Society Presidency; one of her last callings, a favorite, was as a Cub Scout leader. In addition to these callings Colleen served local missions including as a temple worker in the Draper and South Jordan Temples. She loved to sew and would lend that skill to a variety of church and community service projects as well. Colleen loved and was loved by many close friends in her Sandy Ward and beyond. An avid traveler, Colleen explored the US and international destinations with family and friends. An outdoor enthusiast and lover of the National Parks, she was a skilled skier and a tireless hiker and walker. Quilting became a passion; one Colleen enjoyed on annual quilting vacations in St. George, Utah with a group of dear friends, leaving behind a trove of quilts that her family will treasure for the rest of their lives. Asked recently what she was most proud of in life, Colleen responded that it was her children; the four of whom respected, loved and adored, her in return. Colleen is survived by her children, Corey Hayden, Linda Fawkes (Mike), Rodney Hayden (Pam), and Scott Hayden (Michelle), seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren with another on the way. Colleen's family will lay her to rest next to her parents during a small graveside service in Marysvale, Utah on Saturday, January 16, 2021 under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.