Obituaries: Dorothy Mae Petersen (May. 1, 1920-Feb. 13, 2010)

Dorothy Mae Petersen

May 1, 1920 - Feb. 13, 2010

Dorothy Mae Petersen, 89, passed away on February 13, 2010, at Curry Good Samaritan in Brookings. She was born on May 1, 1920, in Oshkosh, Neb., to Jack and Bertha Buttle.

Dorothy spent her childhood, along with 11 siblings, on a farm in Big Springs, Neb.

Her twin brother, Don Buttle, moved to Myrtle Creek, Ore., after the war and worked with Elmer J. “Pete” Petersen. She met Pete while visiting her brother and they fell in love in 1950. Dorothy and Pete were married on August 23, 1952, and moved to Lamar, Colo., to work on the Petersen farm.

Dorothy didn’t really like the cold, dry weather and Pete missed working in the trees, so they moved back to the West Coast, settling in Crescent City in 1959.

Dorothy was a housewife/homemaker who took great pride in raising her three children. She loved cooking great meals and made the best cobblers and pies.

She was also a great gardener and it showed in her yard. She will be remembered for her beautiful flowers, especially her roses, daffodils and the begonias on her patio. Dorothy also canned the vegetables that her husband grew in the garden. Her dilly beans were the best ever!

Dorothy is survived by her children, Michael Petersen of Brighton, Colo., and Marilyn Leonhard of Frederick, Colo., and her beloved pets, Maggie and Toby; her granddaughter, Raeanne Mayberry of Frederick, Colo.; grandson, Chas and wife, Kelly Leonhard of Dacono, Colo., and great-grandson, Seth Leonhard of Dacono, Colo.; Dorothy’s sisters, Thelma Peterson of Crook, Colo., Phyliss Randall of Riverton, Wyo., and Bonnie Hahn of Grants Pass, Ore.; brother, Bob and wife, Vivian Buttle of Mattawa, Wash.; Michael and wife, Jody O’Connell of Fort Dick and their sons, David and Frank whom she considered her children; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Elmer J. (Pete) Petersen; daughter, Donna Walsh and grandson, David Walsh.

At her request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.

Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel

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