Helen Peterson

Helen Anna Peterson Helen Anna Peterson, 91, a lifetime resident of Waterville, passed away September 28, 2014 with family by her side. She was born April 4, 1923 to John F. and Margaretha M. (Fruechnicht) Viebrock and grew up with her sister, Lillian, on the family farm near Badger Mountain. As a child, she enjoyed the outdoors, riding her horse to gather the cows, and often commented she was her father’s hired man on the family farm. She attended all 12 years of school in Waterville, graduating in 1941. On September 28, 1947 she married Alfred E. Mittelstaedt from Douglas, Washington. Together they had a son, Russell. Alfred worked on his family farm until his death on August 3, 1951. On May 2, 1953 Helen married Lloyd Hollis Peterson from Waterville. Together, they had a son, Rodney, and continued as wheat and cattle farmers until Lloyd’s death on February 25, 1999. As a wife and homemaker, Helen continued her love of the outdoors, and could be seen most days tending her own lawn and garden until early this summer when her health began to decline. She was a member of the United Lutheran Church in Waterville, and dedicated many of her years taking care of the church lawn and flowerbeds. She belonged to the Women of United Lutheran Circle (formerly Mary Martha), and served as a Sunday school teacher. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A close friend to many, she would often offer her “taxi” services to their various appointments in Wenatchee or ferry a carload on an excursion for luncheon or supper in the nearby area. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Lillian (Andrew) Mittelstaedt, and husbands, Alfred Mittelstaedt and Lloyd Peterson. Helen is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Russell and Marsha Peterson, Rodney and Marlaine Peterson of Waterville; grandchildren: Jami Peterson, Tegan and Christian Long of Bellingham, Jessica and Jeffrey Smoke, Cynthia and Cody Lowe of Waterville; great-grandchildren: Chanel Peterson of Pullman, Washington, Olivia, Austin, Abby, Owen, and Wyatt Smoke, and the newest addition, Colton Lowe all of Waterville. The family extends a special thank you to Leslie Haynes and Pamela Abutbol for their loving care while Helen was able to live in her home. A heartfelt thank you goes to June Skinner and her fine staff at Amberwaves Adult Family Home, as well as Hospice Services for their tender care and unwavering support of Helen and her family. A graveside burial service will be conducted at the Waterville Cemetery, Saturday, October 4, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. Helen’s cousin, Sid Viebrock, will officiate. If desired, memorials may be made in Helen’s name to the Waterville Ambulance Fund, P. O. Box 400, Waterville. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Helen Peterson

April 4, 1923 - September 28, 2014