Penny Kay Peterson

Penny Kay Peterson reached the ripe old age of 80 when she passed quietly in her sleep Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the Hurricane Health and Rehab center with her dear friend and roommate Christine Lieurance by her side. She was born August 1, 1944 in Ogden, Utah to Martin Fuel Peterson and Iva May Glover. She was raised in and around Salt Lake City, Utah by her mother and maternal grandmother. 

She was a happy, energetic child and drove her grandmother to distraction with her penchant for mischief. She grew up and attended schools in the Salt Lake area. She lived with four sisters and one brother and loved to boss them around. She was very much a care taker and was protective and loving of her siblings. At the age of 15, she entered the foster care system and joined parents Norman and Helen Arrington. She expanded her sibling line with foster sisters and brothers Arla Cochran (Loren), Tamara Hennis (Dan), Nathan Arrington (Sheryl), Heather Sorensen (Lynn), Lisa Kofoed, (Terrel), Shannon Arrington, Marissa Smith, (Lyman), Norman Arrington, (Brita), Bethany Wilson, (Charles), Kris Vargas, (Johann), Celeste Arrington, and Nic Arrington, (Leslie) whom she loved and was dearly loved in return. 

Penny had a stubborn streak a mile wide and a little bit of rebel in her. She was also soft- hearted and cared deeply for those around her. She had an infectious smile and a quick wit that drew people to her. Anyone that met Penny loved her. She loved to tease and she could coax a smile or a chuckle out of you on your worse days. Penny was very social. She loved being around family and friends whether in person or on the phone. She made many lifelong friends in her life. To know Penny was to love her.

Penny received a BS degree in photo journalism from Weber State University. She worked for a Fortune 500 company in their marketing and advertising department. She handled their press releases and handled the incoming clients. She also received her RN degree from Weber State University and worked at the Ashley Valley Medical Center in Vernal as their Primary Emergency room nurse. Penny was always caring for someone when they were sick and took care of her stepfather, Phil Day until his passing.

She loved nature and animals and had many pets in her time. She had the most incredible green thumb and could grow anything and grow it big! She had a beautiful voice and took voice lessons for a time. Her favorite past time was fishing! She was happiest fishing all the lakes and reservoirs in Utah that she could with family and friends. She was a campground host for a time and loved being in the woods.

She traveled and lived in many areas. Texas, Vernal, Utah, Arizona and landed in Hurricane, Utah where she lived with her foster sister, Arla Cochran for a while. As her health deteriorated she moved into Hurricane Health and Rehab where she met and roomed with her dear friend Christine. They had many laughs together and Christine was a fierce protector, helping her with all her needs and making sure they were met when Penny couldn't voice her own.

Penny is preceded in death by her parents Iva M. and Phil B. Day. Her sister, Kathryn R. Farnsworth and brother Kevin Marttila. 

She is survived by sisters Wendy S. Bond, Vicky L. Farnsworth and Ivette L. Swonson and all her foster brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews.

We would like to give a special thank you to Jayne and Brad Cox who did and provided so much for her. They were truly angels on earth for her. We would like to thank Hurricane Health and Rehab as well for their care and attention to her.

Penny requested no services and cremation is done under the direction of Hughes Mortuary. Her ashes will be scattered in an area that brought her much joy and happiness.