Aurora, Utah - Kola Peterson, age 71, passed away on September 22, 2026 at her home in Aurora, surrounded by her loved ones. Kola Peterson was born September 27, 1954 in Salina, Utah to Pericson Peter and Tola Artemis Andreason Peterson. Kola grew up in Redmond where she made many memories, playing pranks and joking with childhood friends.

Kola married the love of her life Larry Peterson on July 10, 1970. Together, they had two children, Jason and Sara. They were later divorced, but remained friends until he preceded her in death in 2000. Kola loved spending time together as a family camping, playing games, and cooking.

Kola worked as a culinary teacher for 30 years. She loved her job, her students, and her co-workers. Her students adored her for her excellent teaching skills and her fun, witty personality. Kola's passion was cooking for her loved ones, her cooking advice was always one phone call away. Her door was always open to family and friends, whether they needed a good meal, a place to stay, or just an ear to listen. Her unconditional love and giving nature was felt by everyone.

She enjoyed a good card game with her family and friends. She was very competitive and nothing made her happier than winning whoever she was playing against. It didn’t matter what game she was playing, somehow she would always win and made sure to rub it in.

Kola is survived by her children: Sara Peterson of Aurora and Jason (Danelle) Peterson of Salina; 4 grandbabies, and 7 very beloved great-grandbabies.

She always said that her grandbabies were the best things to ever happen to her, that was until she met her great-grandbabies.

Kola is preceded in death by her husband Larry Peterson, her parents Tola and Pericson Peterson, and her siblings Barry, Kim Peterson and Fran Mickelsen.

Graveside services for Kola will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Redmond Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.

The family would like to thank Kambree Wright at Gunnison Valley Hospice for her loving care taking care of Kola.