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.

Born on May 26, 1939, in Vernal, Utah, to William Jay Simper and Lois Johnstun Simper, Colleen moved with her family to Newport, Oregon, at the age of seven. She graduated from Newport High School in May 1957 and delivered the student commencement address. She returned to Vernal during Christmas break and met Maughan Colton at a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Colton family home. They began dating and were married on April 14, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple. The couple made their home in Vernal, where they raised three children, Kim, Shawn, and Kellie, who became the center of their lives and brought them great joy.

Colleen began her professional journey teaching math and science at Uintah High School during a teacher shortage. While working and raising her young family, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University in 1969, often driving through difficult winter conditions to attend classes in Logan. She taught first grade and later fourth grade at Ashley Elementary School, organized and taught environmental science camps in the Ashley National Forest during summers, and earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology and School Counseling from the University of Utah in 1971. She continued her education, receiving a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from Brigham Young University in 1977.

Her leadership roles included serving as counselor at Uintah High School, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Uintah School District, and principal of Discovery and Horizon Elementary Schools and Vernal Junior High School. She initiated and directed the Principals Academy for the State Board of Education, training principals across Utah. Governor Norman H. Bangerter appointed her as his Special Assistant for Education, where she advised on public and higher education policy, served as a liaison to the Utah Legislature, and represented Utah at national initiatives, including the 1989 President’s Education Summit. She later served as Commissioner of the Industrial Commission of Utah, overseeing Employment Security, Industrial Accident Administration, the Utah Anti-Discrimination Division, and general operations.

Deeply devoted to her faith, Colleen was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous leadership and teaching callings. For more than twenty years she served as a temple worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple. Her greatest joy came from her family. Known to her grandchildren as “Wonderful, Beautiful Nana,” she poured love into their lives through gardening, cooking, traveling, shopping, and creating a welcoming home that became the favorite gathering place for her grandchildren and their friends. She is remembered as a vibrant, curious, and determined woman whose legacy of love and service endures in the lives she touched.