Colleen Christensen Rushton

Colleen was born in Salt Lake City to Ruth (Tootsie) Pierotti and Vern Christensen; she was the fourth of their six children.

She married Brent L. Rushton of Hunter, Utah. They had two children, Angelina Rushton Helm (Chase), and Michael Herman Rushton (Casey). Colleen and Brent were also blessed with five grandchildren and one grandpup, Thanos.

Colleen’s independence and vision took her far. At sixteen, she moved out of the family home; she held two jobs while attending high school. Shortly after graduating, she followed her dreams of being a professional model. Her passion led her to London, Paris, and Milan, the fashion capitals of the world. She later moved to New York City, where she celebrated her twenty-first birthday; she lived in NYC with one of her favorite people, her uncle Ray Pierotti, a professional artist whose beautiful work hangs today on the walls of Colleen’s home.

To anyone who knew of Colleen’s pride in her Italian heritage, it was no surprise that one of her many small business ventures later included an Italian restaurant, The Spaghetti Warehouse, where diners could enjoy just about any kind of Italian sauce on their pasta.

Colleen also ran a successful floral business, Blossoms Forever, where she arranged dried flowers for important occasions. Her children, Angelina and Michael, are proud of her work; they cherish the wedding bouquets she lovingly preserved for each of them.

As a beauty consultant, Colleen sold makeup and skincare products. Colleen understood that beauty was more than skin-deep. She enjoyed helping people look and feel their best. She had grace, style, and dignity – and she conferred these gifts on anyone in her company.

Colleen was also employed in the auto industry in various roles. She retired from Gus Paulos Chevrolet in West Valley City, where she worked alongside her good friend Debbie Paulos for over 20 years.

Colleen worked hard at everything she did. And everything she did was for the care and comfort of her family. Her work ethic and energy continue to bless the people she loved.

Her many talents and wide interests also made the world a better place. She was a gifted seamstress. She was an expert gardener with a truly “green thumb.” She kept a beautiful yard where she loved spending time with her family. And she enjoyed taking long walks with her grandpup in the company of those she loved.

Colleen was a Cancer (one of the first three facts you would learn about her as a new friend), and she loved to share her knowledge of the Zodiac. She was excited to learn everyone’s birth date and time, so that she could celebrate them and teach them a little about their “sign.” If things ever felt “off,” she would confidently tell everyone, “Mercury is in retrograde!”

She was a doer and goer. She got things done when others were slow to act, and this decisiveness and focus improved lives and deepened relationships. From simple tasks to long-term needs, she was always looking for ways to help out.

As an active-member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleen enjoyed serving in the Jordan River Temple. She was an example of Christ-like love through service. She gave her time, energy, and constant comfort to those in need. Colleen’s devotion to everyone around her was, for her, a demonstration of her faith.

Colleen faced cancer just as she confronted all challenges and adversities: with faith in her Savior, love for everyone around her, and that steely strength that was uniquely hers. And, it must be said, she was beautiful to the last.

Colleen’s family is deeply grateful to Dr. Thota and PA Jayson at IHC. Cassie and Andrew will always be more than hospice workers to the Rushton family; they made Colleen’s last days comfortable, peaceful, and dignified. Colleen’s family is also thankful to the Miles family for their love and support over this past year. And to the many relatives and friends that shared their love with Colleen near the end of her life, the family expresses sincere gratitude.

Colleen is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth (Tootsie); father, Vern, and older brother, Vern.

She is survived by her husband, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, and her siblings Ruth (James) Larsen, Charlie (Laura) Christensen, Leonida (Carey) Beckstead, Layne (Sue) Christensen, and sister -in- law Jodi.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South; a viewing will be held at Valley View Funeral Home on Sunday, October 1st from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park following the funeral.