Gayle Cornaby Petersen

Gayle Cornaby Petersen passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, surrounded by her children, Brad, Natalie, Greg, and husband Reed. Although her body failed her several years ago, her keen mind and love for others were warmly present to the end and will truly be missed by all.

She was born on September 28th, 1940, to Sterling and Hilda Cornaby in Spanish Fork Utah. She attended Brigham Young University, then transferred to the University of Utah where she pursued her a degree in Education. With her degree in hand, Gayle set out to make a difference in the lives of her students and the community at large. She taught at Columbus elementary school for several years and especially enjoyed teaching 5th graders, always saying they were smart but not too sassy. This was the first step of Gayle’s lifelong dedication to education and improving the lives of those around her.

Gayle’s innate capacity to serve was seen as she stepped forward to help where needed. She was an active member of the Junior League, the County Commission on Youth, Head Start Mothers Education Program, Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force, and Juvenile Detention Center. She continued her service by supporting Brad, Natalie, and Greg throughout their education with many years of involvement on PTA boards and Community Councils in their schools. For nearly 30 years she was a fixture in the halls of the Utah State Senate working in a variety of capacities. Life came full circle as she eventually returned to her education roots assisting with the Huntsman Education Awards and mentoring student teachers through Utah State University. Later in life she found immense joy volunteering at the Hope Clinic.

Gayle loved her young women and Relief Society sisters. As a devoted young women’s leader, she had a deep affection for the girls she served, exemplifying Christlike love and unwavering acceptance for each of them. Relief Society provided her with another opportunity to deepen her faith and uplift others.

Always a people person, Gayle adored her friends and family more than anything! All of her pursuits created a wide circle for her to spread love. From her P3, Monu-Mets and tennis friends to Tri-Delt, book club, senate, and many other groups, she sought connection in life. She loved parties and celebrations, and if there wasn’t one to attend, she would create a reason to have one. Every party and holiday were another opportunity to express her love for her friends and family without expecting anything in return.

Perhaps her greatest joy was as a mother and ‘Mimi’ to her eight grandchildren. She delighted in making them laugh, cooking them delicious food and supporting their every activity. Each of them is certain of their status as her favorite and they are right! Several hours after Gayle’s passing, we have no doubt that she secured a front row seat to her granddaughter, Jasmine’s, wedding. Jasmine and Gayle shared a birthday, so it was only fitting that they also shared another major lifetime milestone. It was truly a day of celebration!

While teaching school, Gayle met her husband Reed during his stint as the pool boy at her apartment complex. They married in the Salt Lake Temple and began an adventurous life together, with a shared passion for raising their three kids and creating a home where all their friends were welcome. She is survived by Reed, her husband of 58-years, her children Brad Petersen (Shelia), Natalie Boss (Greg), and Greg Petersen (Brittney) and her eight grandchildren, Morgan Seagle (Ben), Sage Petersen, Jonathan Boss, Jasmine Cook (Scott), Benjamin Boss, Stone Petersen, Greyden Petersen, and Sienna Petersen. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sterling and Hilda Cornaby, her brother Kay S. Cornaby (Linda), and her sister Suzanne Tanner (Bob). We have peace knowing that she has been happily reunited with her family.

Special thanks to her many friends who were there until the very end. She cherished your visits, as they gave her another opportunity to express her love for you and feel your love. Also, thank you to the Beehive Home team for the tender care of ‘Miss Gayle' through the last year of her life.

Please join us for a celebration of Gayle’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25th at the St. Marys Ward (1320 S. Wasatch Drive). A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 24th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E. 1300 S.) and Monday, prior to the services from 10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. at the ward. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Hope Clinic or National Ability Center in Park City, UT.