Grace Eveline (Roland) Peterson 1898-1987

ROLAND, PETERSON, MIKESELL, ANSLEY, WALKER

Posted By: MPT (email)
Date: 1/23/2006 at 13:25:05

The Chariton Patriot
Thursday, November 5, 1987

Grace Eveline Roland was born on a farm near Unionville, IA October 20, 1898 to William and Martha Roland. Her father passed away when she was four years of age and her mother married Lewis McKim a few years later. Grace moved to Oakley and married Ralph Mikesell, February 1917.

She and Ralph started and owned the Mikesell store in Oakley where she became postmistress, the post office being located in the store. She continued in that office for several years. A son Russell Mikesell was born to Ralph and Grace. Ralph died in 1918.

On July 3, 1923 Grace married Vic Peterson and to this union were born four children, Beverly, Barbara, Rodney and David.

The lived in Fort Des Moines and Des Moines for nine years where Vic was employed by the Rock Island Railroad, continuing there until the Depression. In 1932 they moved to the Peterson farm near Oakley and later purchased the Wheeler farm in 1940 where they continued to farm until they retired and moved to the present Peterson home in Chariton in 1969.

Grace was baptized in the White Breast Creek and joined Methodist Church in Oakley as a young lady. In later years Vic and Grace became active members of what is now First United Methodist Church in Chariton.

Through the years she was active in the Oakley Ladies Aid, Tri-T Sorority, Garden Club, and the United Methodist Women's Circles, having been chosen Mother of the Year by the women's society. She was the first woman to vote in Liberty Township following the induction of Women's sufferage, participating actively in the women's movement.

Preceding Grace in death were her parents, her husband Ralph Mikesell, a sister and four brothers.

Upon her passing Wednesday, Oct 28, at the Lucas County Health Center, she leaves her husband Vic of Chariton and their five children and spouses; Russell (Evelyn) Mikesell of rural Chariton, Beverly and (Warren) Ansley of Torrence, CA., Barbara (Albert) Walker of Sioux Falls, SD, Rodney (Bonnie) Peterson of Chariton, and David (Nancy)Peterson of Pamona, CA. Also 12 grandchildren and 19 great-granchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a great host of friends.

Services were held Saturday, October 31, 1987 at the Fielding Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul McKinley officiating. Pallbearers were Byron Voss, Bob Hunter, Bill Ihnen, Cleo Sellers, Paul Sheldon and Gene Burgett.

Interment was in the Chariton Cemetery.