Verna Mae Peterson

Verna Mae Peterson, 89, of Spiritwood, ND, passed away on September 18, 2012 at her home with her loved ones by her side.

A Eucharist of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 20, 2012 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery, Dickey, ND.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at St. James Basilica with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Verna Mae Winters was born May 17, 1923, in Edgeley, ND, to John and Rose Winters. The oldest of three children, she grew up on several different farms in the Dickey/Grand Rapids/Berlin area. She received her education in a one-room country school, often times riding horse or walking to get there. Following her graduation from St. John's Academy in Jamestown, she was a substitute teacher for a time in a school where she made a fire in the morning and did custodial work after classes were dismissed.

Verna Mae married Glen Peterson on September 12, 1942, in Abilene, TX, where Glen was stationed in the US Army. After the end of the war, they moved to Huron, SD, where Glen worked at the local packing plant. In June 1952, they moved back to ND and began farming near Dickey. In 1956, they settled on a farm east of Ypsilanti which was her home until her recent illness. While raising their large family, Verna Mae helped with many farm chores and assisted with the field work when needed. For many years her housework was done without running water or electricity. In spite of the difficult work, Verna Mae loved the farm and made it her home even after Glen passed away in 2002.

She enjoyed reading, visiting with family and friends, reminiscing about old times and laughing. She was a very loving, caring person who was especially proud of her family and of her faith in the Lord.

Verna Mae is survived by her children: James (Kathy), of West Chester, Ohio; Thomas (Paulette), of Raymond, MN; Terry of River Falls, WI; Mary (Wayne) Johnson of Brookeville, Maryland; Randy (Deb), of Jamestown, ND; Sue (Pat) Quinlan, of LaMoure, ND; Doug (Gwynne), of Bismarck, ND; Scott (DeeAnn), of Harvey, ND; Marvin of Rosemount, MN; Mark (Melody), of Oriska, ND; sister, Roiene of Dickey, ND; 25 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Verna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Glen; her parents; and her brother, John Winters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Red River.

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