Colleen Layton Wollam

Colleen Layton Wollam passed away on October 2, 2016. She was 76 years old. Colleen was born on November 1, 1939 to Russell Layton and Cleone Shay Layton in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the youngest of eight children. Colleen married Jack Wollam June 21, 1956. They had four children. Jack and Colleen were married for 52 years until Jack passed away on July 2, 2008.

Colleen is survived by her Children Brad (Debbie) Wollam, Gerry Wollam, and Penny (Mark) Sadler. She is also survived by Grandchildren Mindy (Brian) Osmond, Paul (Jill) Rousey, Jestin Sadler, Brandy (Jacob) Barrows, Alison (Roger) Stout, Justin Wollam, Jeff (Chelsea) Sadler, Bryan Rousey, and Jason Sadler. Great-grandchildren Leslie, Hailey, Jordan, Maya, Jayden, Kaitlin, Andrew, Baxton, Corbin, Josh, Eli, Micah, Jack, and Boston. She is also survived by sisters Lois Shay and Wanda Thompson. Colleen is preceded in death by her parents; Husband Jack, Daughter Debbie, Brothers Lloyd, Marvin, Melvin, Paul, Wayne, and Great-grandson Caleb.

Colleen enjoyed a great passion for life. She loved her family with all her heart, and was happiest when she was with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved social media and was our Facebook Family Glue.   

Colleen loved to travel and was able to visit NYC, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC.  However, her favorite place to visit was anywhere a cruise ship would take her.  Visiting the Mayan ruins in Mexico and Jamaica were some of her favorite destinations.  In her younger years, Colleen could kick up her heals with the best of them and was always the life of the party.  She taught all of her children how to play pinochle and canasta, and when they were younger, she would spend summers with them playing monopoly and other board games.  Colleen was an amazing cook and could make a meal out of almost anything in her cupboard. 

During her lifetime, Colleen worked at a variety of jobs.  As a young mother, she worked as a waitress and even served up food to the original “Lassie”.  She was also an accomplished seamstress and made draperies professionally.  In addition, Colleen worked as a department manager for ZCMI and later for Target Mailing.  Of all the jobs she ever had, being a mother is what gave her the greatest pride of all.  

In her later years, Colleen was a devoted Jazz fan and never missed a game.  She knew every player and their stats.  She also loved to watch the University of Utah football and basketball games.

“You have left an empty place in our hearts and will be truly missed”

There will be a private family celebration of life to remember Colleen on Thursday, October 6, 2016.