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Colleen Monson Bangerter, wife of former Utah Gov. Norm Bangerter, has died.
Bangerter said Saturday that his wife of 58 years, who had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for several years, died shortly before 8 p.m. Friday at their South Jordan home.
"She has been very ill the last 60 to 90 days," he said, noting that his wife had just marked her 76th birthday on July 6.
Bangerter, who won election to the first of two four-year terms in 1984, praised his wife's dedication to their six children and one foster son, to social causes and to his own political career.
"She was very involved when I was governor in women's and children's issues and 'drug-free' campaigns, working some with [former first ladies] Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush on those things," he said in a telephone interview.
Choking back tears, the former governor added: "She kept me up to speed on those issues, too, by her involvement, and she spent her life raising our family, being a support to me."
Colleen Bangerter and her husband served their church together in presiding over the Johannesburg South Africa Mission from 1996 to 1999.
She leaves behind 30 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were planned for 1 p.m. Thursday at the South Jordan Utah Parkway Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9894 S. 2700 West. A viewing will be held at the same location on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Gov. Gary Herbert remembered Colleen Bangerter as "every bit the equal of Governor Bangerter in her public service."
"She excelled in her greatest roles of wife and mother. With her personal touch and generous nature, she was a radiant example to the people of Utah and will truly be missed," Herbert added. "At this difficult time, Jeanette and I express our heartfelt sympathies to Governor Bangerter and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, hailed Colleen Bangerter as "a truly remarkable first lady and wonderful human being.
"She was a tremendous advocate for issues affecting Utah's children and families and worked hard to make a difference. She was kind to all she met and made people feel special with her bright smile and warm personality," Hatch said.
"Elaine and I love Norm and Colleen very much and send our thoughts and prayers to Norm and his wonderful family at this time of loss," the senator added.
Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said he was saddened to learn of Colleen Bangerter's death.
"She and Gov. Norm Bangerter succeeded my mother and father [the late Gov. Scott Matheson] in office. My parents shared a great respect for and a mutual friendship with the Bangerters stemming from the transition and beyond," he added. "Mrs. Bangerter's work on the issue of substance abuse by young people is an important legacy to the citizens of Utah that she served.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Bangerter and his family during this difficult time," Matheson said.