Virginia Lee White Petersen

Virginia Lee White Petersen

1936 – 2023

Virginia Lee (White) Petersen, age 87, of Highland, Utah left us July 4, 2023 to be reunited with the love of her life Darrell.

She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell Petersen, parents Howard and Hazel White, sister Nancy, and brother Robert.  

She is survived by her sons, Douglas Petersen, David (Jan) Petersen, Damien Petersen (grandson who was raised by Grandma & Grandpa), Bruce (Wendy) Petersen, and daughter, Hope Robertson, sisters Janet Millerberg and Cindy Heineke also many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Virginia was born June 13, 1936 in Houston, Texas. Throughout her childhood she lived in many different places due to her father’s work in construction. As a young woman she worked on Dude Ranches in Arizona and prided herself as a “desert rat.” She graduated from Phoenix University in Arizona with a teaching degree and taught school at several schools in Arizona, including Reservation schools.  Learning the culture and heritage of the people was a passion she carried with her throughout her life.  Virginia was very proud of her Cherokee heritage; it was while she while she was teaching on the Reservations that she learned the Cherokee Lullaby she sang with such joy for so many.  With absolute joy she sang and taught the lullaby to her family and friends up to her last breath.  She moved to Utah and it was here she met Darrell and on February 16, 1968 they married and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.  She retired from the Highland School District after 34 years of service.

Virginia will be deeply missed by her family, friends and a community filled with multiple generations who were educated by this loving, compassionate and giving woman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday July 8, 2023 at the Highland 9th Ward Chapel, 11162 North Alpine Highway, Alpine Utah.  Family and friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to services.  Interment will be at the Highland City Cemetery.