Colleen Simper Colton

Colleen Simper Colton, devoted wife, mother, Nana, friend, educator, public servant, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully in her home on March 5, 2026, at the age of 86. Her life was marked by an unwavering commitment to family, service, faith, education, and lifelong learning. Through her work as a teacher, administrator, and advisor to state leadership, she helped shape education policy and opportunities for countless students and educators across Utah. The effect of her service will be felt for generations to come.

Colleen was born on May 26, 1939, in Vernal, Utah, to William Jay Simper and Lois Johnstun Simper. When she was seven years old, her family moved to Newport, Oregon, where she spent much of her childhood. From an early age, Colleen demonstrated remarkable leadership and academic excellence. She graduated from Newport High School, May 1957 and delivered the student commencement address, reflecting the promise and determination that would characterize her life.

Not long thereafter during Christmas break, she returned to Vernal, where her family had relocated, and attended a New Year's Eve dinner at the home of the Colton family. There she met Maughan Colton, and the two began dating and built a lasting relationship grounded in shared values of hard work, faith, and family. They were married on April 14, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple. They began their married life in Vernal, and soon their home was filled with three children, Kim, Shawn, and Kellie, who became the center of their lives and brought them so much joy.

Colleen's professional journey began during a teacher shortage in the Uintah Basin when she was invited to teach math and science at Uintah High School. Though she had attended college, she had not yet completed a degree. Discovering a deep love for teaching, she pursued further education while working and raising her young family. She attended courses through the Uintah Basin Center for Continuing Education, an extension of Utah State University, and eventually completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University in 1969. Achieving this milestone required long drives to Logan during winter months across difficult mountain roads-a testament to her determination and commitment to education.

She began teaching first grade at Ashley Elementary School in Vernal and later taught fourth grade. Her enthusiasm for learning extended beyond the classroom. During summers she organized and taught environmental science camps in the Ashley National Forest, often bringing her daughters along to share in the experience of discovery and nature.Colleen continued her education, earning a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology and School Counseling from the University of Utah in 1971. Her leadership abilities quickly became evident. She was a counselor at Uintah High School and later Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Uintah School District. She went on to earn a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from Brigham Young University in 1977.

Her career expanded to statewide influence when she was named by the State Board of Education to initiate a program for a Principals Academy. In this role, she trained school principals across the state and developed innovative administrative programs. She served as principal of Discovery and Horizon Elementary Schools, and Vernal Junior High School. Colleen's expertise and respected voice in education brought her to the attention of Utah's state leadership. Governor Norman H. Bangerter appointed her as his Special Assistant for Education, where she served as the governor's advisor on public and higher education and as a liaison to the Utah Legislature and educational organizations statewide. In this role she participated in major policy discussions and represented Utah in national education initiatives, including assisting with planning and attending the 1989 President's Education Summit. She also participated in a curriculum development study programs to Egypt and Great Britain.

In 1992 she was appointed as Commissioner of the Industrial Commission of Utah. In that position she oversaw key state functions including Employment Security, Industrial Accident Administration, the Utah Anti-Discrimination Division, and general commission operations.Within her community, Colleen was deeply involved in civic and charitable efforts. She served as Vice President of Ashley Valley Medical Center's Board of Directors, a member of the Vernal Chamber of Commerce, and served as President of The General Federation of Women's Clubs. She was also selected as a National EPCOT Fellow in 1983 and served as a representative to the National Association of Elementary School Principals Standards Committee.

Despite the demands of her career, Colleen's deepest devotion was to her faith and family. She was a lifelong and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the Gospel. She served in numerous church leadership and teaching callings throughout her life. For more than 20 years, she served as a temple worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple, a service she cherished deeply.

Her most noble title was Nana, she taught her grandkids at a very early age to call her, 'Wonderful, Beautiful Nana'. She was a source of constant love and approached life with a curiosity that she eagerly passed down. She was always present for events and was a hands-on mentor who turned activities like gardening, cooking, traveling, and even shopping into cherished time together. She became 'Nana' to her grandkids' friends and readily invited (begged) to have parties at her house for them, even designing a fun game room to ensure her house was the 'favorite hangout'. Her legacy lives on in her family who knows they were loved and always the center of her life.

Colleen possessed a vibrant personality and an enthusiasm for life that drew people to her. She loved to travel with those she loved and embraced opportunities to see the world, eventually visiting many countries and all seven continents. After one trip ended, she began planning the next trip and which grandchild she could take. While traveling, she viewed local shops as the most important landmark, a strategy that often made her the very last person to board the bus or ship- an event that only caused stress for those traveling with her and for those waiting on her, never for her. 

She delighted in hosting gatherings for friends and family, organizing her ladies' club, and planning celebrations. Holidays were a special joy; she was known for decorating her entire home-inside and out-for each holiday. She also loved cooking, shopping, and especially sharing meals, chocolate and laughter with friends.

Perhaps most characteristic of Colleen was her lifelong love of learning. Whether pursuing advanced degrees, traveling the world, studying new ideas, or mentoring her grandkids, she approached life with curiosity, energy, and gratitude always mastering new skills.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hugh Maughan Colton. She is survived by her children Kimberly Kay Colton, Courtney Shawn Colton, and Kellie Camile (Kurt) Robb; and her wonderful, beloved grandchildren: Camille, Kennedy & Michael, Carson & Sydney, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

Colleen will be remembered for her bright mind, her compassionate leadership, her joyful hospitality, and her steadfast faith. Her legacy lives on in the countless family members, friends, students, and colleagues she influenced throughout her remarkable life.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Moss Hill Ward, 455 South 1200 East, Bountiful. Friends may call Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main St., Bountiful and Thursday morning from 9:45-10:45 at the Moss Hill Ward prior to services.

Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m., March 13, 2026 at the Maeser-Fairview Cemetery in Vernal, Utah - Under the direction of Ashley Valley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Colleen, are invited to do something she loved most: go to lunch with a friend and enjoy a little shopping afterward.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.