Dixie High School

Chelsi Dawn Peterson - 6/6/2008

Class of 2006

Chelsi Dawn Petersen, age 20, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008 in a tragic car accident in Provo, Utah. Her incredible smile, beauty, and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Chelsi was born on July 15, 1987 in St. George, Utah to Lisa Dawn Newby and William Charles Petersen. Chelsi was the oldest of 3 children and was a great example to her younger sister, Shayli Nicole, and brother, Charles “Chaz” Newby. Soon after she was born, her family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where Chelsi discovered her first love: gymnastics. In 1994, her family returned to St. George. She later competed as a level 9 gymnast and continued to practice gym for years to come.

Chelsi had the courage to try anything and the talent to succeed at everything. She excelled at gymnastics, cheerleading, academics, dance, swimming, and track. Chelsi had the opportunity to compete at the National Hershey’s track meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania in 2000 with her 13-14 year old relay team. She didn’t like taking piano lessons, but she believed in always finishing what she started. She lived by that motto throughout her life.

Chelsi attended Dixie High School and when she broke school records as a freshman on the track team, she knew she had found her passion. She also was a cheerleader for 3 years at Dixie HS and got to compete in Nationals as a sophomore. After graduating from Dixie HS in 2006, Chelsi decided to remain in her beloved hometown to spend time with her family and attend Dixie State College. She enjoyed the year that she spent there and loved being a Rebel cheerleader. In 2007, Chelsi moved to Provo, Utah to attend BYU and compete as a member of the Cougar track team. Her teammates say that she always gave 110% and that her confidence and enthusiasm helped motivate those around her.

Chelsi seemed to know that life was a race she would only run once, so she embraced every opportunity that came her way. She loved to go on vacations with her family and said that she would rather spend time with them than anyone else. She loved sun-tanning, shopping, coaching gymnastics, and teaching swim lessons to the little kids in her in her back yard. Chelsi had a great love of the gospel and was proud to receive her LDS young women recognition award before she left for college. Chelsi touched countless others in her 20 short years and we know that she will continue to bring light and happiness to those she encounters along her path.

Chelsi is survived by her parents, Lisa and Bill; sister, Shayli; brother, Chaz; grandmother, Jeri Newby (of St. George); grandparents Don and Nellie Petersen (of Las Vegas); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Sherrell “Shep” Newby, who was no doubt waiting to hug her as soon as she reached the other side.

Celebration of life film

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