Karen Irene Peterson Moyle (our intrepid, beloved Momo) passed away March 2, 2018 following a fierce battle with cancer. Karen was born August 3, 1941 (Aurora, Utah) to Marcus and Irene Peterson. Karen's parents instilled a firm foundation in their children, rooted in faith, family and hard work. Karen's father, a Reliability Engineer, taught mathematics at the U of U, Columbia University, and West Point Academy. While working at General Dynamic and Boeing, Marcus worked on the first computer, signing off on the moon landing 2nd phase. Momo was extremely proud of her family and heritage.
In 1959, Momo graduated from Paschal High School; a natural beauty, Momo received local notoriety when crowned "Ranch Queen" (first Mormon recipient) in Fort Worth, Texas. Karen attended BYU, graduating from the University of Utah (Elementary Education, summa cum laude).
Karen married Richard Wright Moyle in the SLC Temple September 1, 1961, and they raised four children together. Momo dedicated her life to the pursuits of family: ballet, riding, piano, football, scouting, school, exploring, and faith.
The Park City Moyle home was legendary, involving horse activities, snow/water skiing, raising various animals, and the inevitable annual epic "Richard Moyle water fight". The Moyles often hosted dinner dates held in the barn loft which they built together as a family. Momo effortlessly created magical experiences.
Whether driving her pink Mustang convertible or flame PT Cruiser, coloring her hair red in honor of a lost friend, wearing killer glasses or amassing the coolest cowboy boot collection, Karen forged her unique trail. Momo's favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Fearless, Karen never backed from a challenge, ever. She was a champion for others, a cheerleader for the underdog, and she shuffled many under her protective wing. Requiring little sleep, Momo read voraciously. She was an extraordinary seamstress, an exquisite calligraphist, stained glass maker, an expert braider of manes/tails, the perfect grandmother and stalwart friend. Karen taught at Uintah Elementary (1988-2012) where she easily helped her students feel important and confident. Students loved the special things Momo did - making teddy bears, cooking and science nature walks.
Karen loved community involvement, including the Junior League, Wheeler Farm and the Egyptian Theatre restoration projects. She enjoyed membership in the Arabian Horse Association, Back Country Horsemen and Utah Hunter Jumper Association, and the United States Dressage Federation. More recently, she volunteered at the Church History Museum and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Throughout, Momo maintained a rock-solid testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Momo loved the finer things of life. Yet, she was happiest mucking stalls, "horsing around", feeding pigs and lambs, building rock walls, swimming/riding horses bareback in an icy mountaintop lake and playing with children. She happily participated in the birth of countless foals, piglets, puppies; she studied and marveled at the natural world. A biologist at heart, she loved nursing people and animals back to health. Keen on natural remedies, a famous Momo saying is "throw cayenne pepper on it!"
Momo is survived by her children: Heather Moyle Griffiths (Dr. Russell Griffiths), Stephanie Moyle (Dr. Richard Fowles), Mark Moyle (Crystal Moyle), and Russell Moyle Powell; grandchildren Austin (fiancée Sissel Holloway), Eliza (Craig Clayton), Evan and Chloe Griffiths; Geddy Moyle; Kayla and Peter Moyle; Allison and Samuel Powell; one great-grandchild, Henry Clayton; siblings Miguel, Linda, Marcia, Mark, David Peterson. Preceded in death by Richard Wright Moyle (husband); Marcus, Irene Peterson (parents). Karen leaves behind many beloved lifelong horse friends, family, church and community members. Thank you, all.
Momo's life celebration will be Friday, March 23; reception 4:00 ‚ 5:45 pm, funeral 6:00 pm LDS Ward 1565 Foothill Drive, SLC, 84108. We invite you to wear cowboy boots and turquoise, if possible. Internment to be held Saturday, March 24, 11:30 am in Sigurd, Utah. Contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund or charity of choice.
Happy trails, dearest Momo; enjoy your next ride! Till we meet again.
