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Colleen Jane Holtman Garrett, aged 69, passed away on December 7, 2020 after a short and fierce battle with cancer. We were privileged to know her as Mom, Grandma, Sweetheart, Sister, Aunt, and dear Friend.
She married her eternal sweetheart, Reg Garrett, on September 18, 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple.
She loved her morning walks and bike rides throughout the years with many close friends in Alpine. She also loved to travel with family and friends to any destination where she could walk on the beach and watch the sun rise.
She taught us the value of hard work through example and extremely lengthy chore lists she wrote for us on a daily basis. In her later years she would love to laugh as we still tried to complain about that. When her youngest child started school, she wasted no time jumping in to help pay the bills by working part time at the State Developmental Center. Twenty-seven years later she retired from the State Hospital and was “discharged from the Insane Asylum of the Territory of Utah having had her sanity restored.”
Another joy in her life was her relationship with the Savior. She honored that relationship by serving and loving everyone around her. We can’t think of a better way to describe our mom than how she lived Mosiah 18:9: “...willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death...”
Her family was the most important thing in her life. She showed this in countless ways. Throughout her entire life she looked after her 5 sisters. As her parents aged, she lovingly cared for them. She raised her 6 children without a single complaint (that we know of) and was actively involved in the lives of all 20 grandchildren. She loved planning our next adventure, and looked for any opportunity to spend time with her family. We always looked forward to tacos on the farm, Thanksgiving mashed potatoes and the annual Garrett Christmas Eve soup bowl and Nativity celebration. Mom loved us through all of our mistakes and faults. She accepted our weaknesses. She comforted us during our worst days. She was the first to celebrate our successes and was always encouraging us to do our best. She loved us unconditionally and without fail. She was literally the best mom we could have ever asked for. She will be missed every single day.
Colleen is survived by the love of her life, Reg and her 6, incredibly beautiful and talented children: Cody (Diana), Casey (taking applicants), Nikki (Dallas), Ashli (Deven), Cade (Emily), Reggie (Jessica), her 20 grandchildren, Jerrie (Lynn) Hurst, Jody Murray, Joni (Robert) Jensen, Teresa Wu, Amy (Corey) Solum, Ralph Garrett, Ray (Milli) Garrett, David (Coy) Garrett, Debbie (Mike) Phillips, Denece (John) Jones and Carmen (Vernon) Lujan.
Due to restrictions from COVID-19 there will be a small gathering of immediate family for the funeral services on Monday, December 14, 2020. There will also be a live streamed service from 10:00 - 11:00 that morning for the many friends and extended family who want to celebrate our sweet Mom’s life. To view the Funeral Service live, please click on the following link: Colleen Garrett's Funeral Service. https://www.utahvalleyfuneral.com/obituaries/Colleen-Garrett/#!/Obituary
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Peggy Evans (Nissen)
Colleen was one of those people who always seemed to have a smile on her face and in her heart. I remember crying when she told me she was engaged when we were still in high school. I thought it was way too soon to get married and settle down. But, from reading her obituary it looks like I was wrong. She chose the life she wanted and it was an amazing life full of adventure and the very love she so deserved.Dallas Beckstead
Colleen is a beautiful woman, more so now, that she has ever been. Her smile and humble and accepting manner will always be remembered by those who knew her. Her family should know that she was a credit to all of her classmates a friend to all, and loved by all she touched.
Greg Carter
Colleen was a tremendous person who could make anyone (see 'anyone') feel welcome and accepted. I remember seeing Colleen and Robin Middlemiss on the street near Colleen's home after school and thinking that I would never know two finer people, and I was right. Gosh, I haven't connected with Colleen for 50 years, but still remember her smile and laugh like it was yesterday. If heaven is what I envision it to be Colleen has already raised the spirits of everyone she has met. The earth has lost a rare, beautiful and special person. As stated, I haven't seen or spoken with Coleen for 50 years, yet my heart is heavy today. That says something, doesn't it!
Owen Killian
The Holtman and Garrett families were my neighbors and members of my ward when I attended Olympus High.
Colleen was always sweet and kind to everyone. At the last Olympus High reunion that I attended I spent most of the night with Colleen who was always a great friend to me.
I spent many hours with the Garrett boys exploring Utah and learning about life.
Reg's Mom Alta taught me how to dehydrate food and was an early and devoted follower of natural foods and natural medicines.
So many wonderful memories from so long ago.
I am sending peace, love and courage to the Holtman and Garrett families.