In loving memory of Victoria Evelyn Saari Petersen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. She returned to her Father-in-Heaven on Aug. 12, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada after suffering a massive heart attack.
Vicki was born in Oakland, CA, on May 1, 1945 to Ruth W. and Al Saari. She married Dale C. Petersen On Dec. 18, 1965 in Oakland, CA, and they had six children.
Vicki was the greatest mother ever to have graced the planet. She was a stay-at-home mom most of her life and seemed to raise her kids' friends right along with her own children. Several of these friends called her mom. Children were not the only ones Vicki made feel special; everyone who knew her will fondly remember her ability to make them feel welcome, loved and comfortable. She loved talking to people, whether she had known them for years or just met them in the checkout line. Whenever anyone was in need she was the first to offer help, and would search out opportunities to serve.
She graduated from BYU in Dec. 1980 (while managing a household of seven) with a degree in secondary education, English, and speech. She used her knowledge to teach those around her for many years and last year taught public school for a time. Her great gift for teaching was rewarded with the New Teacher of the Year Award for Gibson Middle School, and a nomination for Nevada New Teacher of the Year. She loved her students and was well loved by them.
Vicki loved laughing, playing games, and going places with her family. She also enjoyed giving silly little toys as impromptu gifts to her children and later to her grandchildren. Her generosity was well known and appreciated.
She is survived by her husband, Dale C.; mother, Ruth Saari; daughters, Ruth (Cliff) Cole, Heather (Nathan) Lee, and Trisha Petersen; sons, Cliff, Ray, and Nathan Petersen; grandchildren, Charity, Ridge, and Cienna Cole, and Jacob Lee; sisters, Barbara Hartley and Sandra Hansen; and brother, Albert Saari
Graveside services will be held Friday, Aug. 18th, at 10 a.m. at the Bountiful City Cemetery, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral directors, Davis Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.