Virginia Fairbanks Peterson

Our dearest Mom, Grandma, Great grandma, aunt, and loving friend passed away peacefully at the “young” age of 101 just 6 weeks shy of her 102nd birthday. Mom was born June 22, 1923, to Ortho Lane and Laura Smith Fairbanks in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mom was the oldest of five children, four of which were brothers, protectors and teasers. Mom graduated from South High School and attended BYU. On a blind date she met a tall, handsome man- Harold Peterson, who was home for the weekend from training in the Army Air Corp, to be a B-24 Liberator pilot. She talked about the fun times they had in the coupe with a rumble seat. They later (not much later) got engaged and Mom took the bus to Marfa, Texas where Dad was stationed, to get married. Three kids joined the family, Diane, Carol, and Scott. Mom was the ultimate protector of her family, with unconditional love. Mom was a talented artist, acquiring the Fairbanks trait of sculptors and artists. Her paintings are all family treasures. Mom was the epitome of class, caring, and the sweetest person, which carried through her long and loving life. She never left the house without being dressed to the nines, her hair just right, her earrings, and red lipstick, for which she was lovingly nicknamed by great grand kids - “redlipsgrandma”. After dad’s passing, she lived independently in her home up until 8 months ago when a slip and fall broke her femur, taking her to an assisted living center to fully regain her stability. Mom was fiercely independent. Mom lived a long life, full of loving, caring, and sharing with others. We will miss her beauty, tender touch, and her unwavering love. Mom is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband “Pete”, daughter Diane Peterson Mollerup and Jim. Great granddaughter, Jade Amaya Welch, three brothers: Ortho,(Myrna) Fairbanks, Richard, (Fonda) Fairbanks, and Vaughn Fairbanks. Survived by her daughter Carol Welch, son Scott, (Annabel) Peterson. 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, brother Grant, (Lucy) Fairbanks, and her other eternal companion, her dog, Tina. A viewing will be held on May 13th at 1:00 P.M. with a short service to follow at Premier Funeral Services 67 East 8000 So. SLC, Ut. Burial to follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery 3401 So. Highland Drive. “ Yes Mom, your lipstick is on straight !! ” Special thanks to the Abbington Assisted staff for their friendship and care of Mom while recovering from her fall, and the nurses, doctors, and all involved at the IMC Hospice in mom’s final days. Pall Bearers: Scott Peterson, Scott Reed Peterson, Grant Peterson, Greg Welch, Matt Engle, Ryan Roush, Ryan Bruschke, Tyler Nielson Honorary Pall Bearers: Grant Fairbanks, Everest Roush, Grant Roush, Beckham Roush, Lincoln Roush, Alexander Peterson, Maxwell Nielson, Zane Nielson, Benson Bruschke

Virginia Fairbanks Peterson

June 22, 1923 - April 29, 2025