It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Colleen Root, wife, mother, and grandmother on July 9, 2025.

Colleen was born to Alma and Elaine Taylor on July 18, 1953 in Mesa, AZ, where she lived her entire life. Colleen had 6 siblings (Kathleen, Alma, Nancy, Betty, Jerald, Larry). She grew up in the Lehi area with much of her extended family. she went to Westwood High School and graduated in 1971. After high school she was awarded a scholarship to ASU where she began her studies in music performance with the violin. She later changed her major and graduated with a bachelors degree in sociology. While in college she joined a choral group A Joyful Noise in which she met her husband-to-be Jess Barry Root.

Barry and Colleen were married October 10, 1975. They had 9 children (Jess, Sarah, Christina, Michael, Seth, Robert, Lisa, Amy, Beth) who were raised in a home filled with love and music. Colleen was a stay-at-home mother until the youngest began school, at which time she got a job as a teachers assistant with the Mesa Public Schools at Lindbergh Elementary. While working as a teachers assistant, she went back to school and got her teaching certificate and began teaching kindergarten at Longfellow Elementary with MPS. Colleen transferred to Wilson Elementary and taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and was assigned to teach the English immersion class which she did until she retired.

After retirement, she served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband Barry. After their mission Colleen spent her time in service, doing family history work, and with family. Colleen is survived by her husband Barry, 6 siblings and spouses, 9 children, and 28 grandchildren.

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