Peterson, Ruth Gnau 1920-2006

PETERSON, GNAU, PARK, CARPENTER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/24/2011 at 19:58:11

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Sept. 21, 2006

RUTH GNAU PETERSON

Ruth Gnau Peterson, 86, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Grinnell, died Friday, Sept. 15, at her home in Phoenix.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Chester Cemetery north of Grinnell. Arrangements are being handled by Smith Funeral Home.

She was born March 17, 1920, in Malcom to Joseph and Louisa Park Carpenter. She was raised in Malcom, moving later to Grinnell where she graduated from Grinnell High School. She was married on Feb. 5, 1944, to Daniel Theodore Gnau Jr. in Jefferson, Ohio. They farmed near Dorset, Ohio, until 1946 when they moved to Phoenix, Ariz. They summered in Grinnell and spent their winters in Arizona. Her husband died in 1978. She was married on Sept. 27, 1979, to David Peterson. They lived in Phoenix where she was a teacher in the Head Start program, and also taught in Washington Township School District.

She was a member of Sunnyslope Presbyterian Church in Phoenix and sang in its choir, taught Sunday School and was a volunteer for a variety of church functions. She also was involved in civic committees in the Sunnyslope area and was an artist who specialized in watercolors.

She is survived by her husband David Peterson; one son Daniel T. Gnau III of Rockville, Md.; one stepdaughter Donna Peterson of Phoenix; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Daniel and one grandson.