Jean E. Peterson, 95, died December 11, 2024? She began her journey on March 10, 1929, in Elwood, Nebraska, the middle daughter of Glen B. Hill and Evelyn E. Hill. She spent her childhood in Arapahoe, where she lived until the death of her only brother Jerry in World War II.
At this time, her mother moved her and her sisters, Jackie and Janece, to Lincoln, where they could complete their education. Jean graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan in 1951. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Sorority. She majored in music, sang in the Chapel Choir, toured with the Girls Glee Club and performed in several college musicals. She began her working journey as a Director of Religious Education, but later changed her interest to Social Work and received her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1957. She was active in this field for 25 years, the last 15 years with Interfaith Counseling Northwest in Phoenix, AZ.
Jean considered the most important part of her journey to be the marriage and partnership in parenting she enjoyed with her husband and best friend, Lavin F. Peterson, a dental student she met and married in 1956. He preceded her in death in 1996. The couple first lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, then moved to Phoenix in 1959 where their two children were born, Suzanne in 1960 and Kent in 1963. Before their retirement to Westbrook Village, they were active in the Church of the Beatitudes, where Jean sang in the Sanctuary Choir for 40 years and directed youth choirs for 20 years. After moving to Westbrook, Lavin was active in golf and Jean participated in the performing arts, singing solos and joining a few ensembles. Jean was also active in the Sun City Disciples of Christ Church where she participated in music and educational programs. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood where she supported education for women and formed enduring friendships with her P.E.O. sisters. Her husband, her parents, brother, Jerry, and sisters Jaqueline Myhre and Janece Lunsford, brother-in-law, Leland Myhre, and nephew, Jerry Lunsford preceded her in death. Her brother-in-law, Jack Lunsford, died nine days after her. Her survivors are daughter Suzanne and Tod Oney, son Kent and Elizabeth Peterson. Grandchildren Grant Oney and wife Gayle, Tasha and husband Kelly Salvage, Zachary Peterson, Megan and husband Bobby Erickson, and Cody Peterson. Great grandchildren Easton and Callie Salvage, Michael and Josephine Erickson. Nieces Jenifer (Myhre) Jones (Brad), Julie (Lunsford) Ruebsamen (Dale) and Nephews Chris Myhre (Brandie) and Rick Shopiro (Paula). Their children Arah, Lindsey, Hollis, Bradley, Holly, Amy, Haley. A close-knit family where she will be forever missed.
O Lord, support us all the day long, Until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, And the busy world is hushed, And the fever is over. And our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, And a holy rest, And peace at the last Amen
We are part of this universe. We are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us. Neil deGrasse Tyson
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