WASHINGTON CITY, UTAH - Connie Ann Garland passed away October 26, 2010 at her home after enjoying 58 wonderful years. Connie was born May 11, 1952 in Ogden, UT to Paul and Patsy Petersen. She was married to Dale Averett on May 29, 1971, who passed away on March 13, 1981. Connie married Steve Garland of Presque Isle, ME on January 28, 1983 in Cedar City, UT. Connie was raised in Wellsville, Ogden, Cedar City and Provo, UT. She was a born educator and mentor. After formal training and nine years of experience she began teaching at Utah Technical College. Nine years later she became the first full time employee at AmeriTech College and after completing her degree and becoming its director she grew the college to 3 campuses and 500 students. In 1997, she purchased the college and acted as its CEO. In 2007, she reluctantly sold the school and retired due to her health. She was active on many state and national boards including the ABHES Board that she chaired for two years. She traveled extensively to assist other schools with accreditation. Connie loved her callings and Temple work in the LDS Church. Primary chorister was her favorite. She is survived by her husband, Steve Garland of Washington City, UT; brothers: Terry Petersen (Tiffany) of Cedar City, UT and Bret Petersen (Linda) of Highland, UT; sisters: Jana Leany (Kim) of St. George, UT and Marilyn Wood (Matthew) of Cedar City, UT; sons: Kevin Averett (Roxanne) of Blanding, UT and Ken Averett (Connie) of Spanish Fork, UT; daughters: Sheila Popeck of Mesa, AZ, Shawna Ayers of Boron, CA, and Moriah Garland of Savannah, GA. Connies family was the center of her life and nothing pleased her more than interaction with her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by a sister, Paulette and nieces, Wendy Wood and Kristy Petersen (Blackburn). Connies spirit, positive attitude, character, and mental strength were a great example to all of us. The family and all Connies friends would like to thank the live kidney donor that brought much joy to Connie and all who knew her for the last 6 wonderful years. Heartfelt thanks to all Connies physicians, nurses, therapists, and medical staff that felt her love and treated her so kindly. Special thanks to the Washington Fields LDS 9th Ward who have completely adopted and adored Connie since joining the ward 18 months ago. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Washington Fields LDS 9th Ward Chapel, 115 West 2000 South, Washington, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel, prior to services. Interment will be at the Washington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these Charities in Connies name: http://www.diabetes.org/, http://www.csaceliacs.org/, http://www.kidney.org/.