Peterson, Merry Lee (Best) (1938 - 2024)

PETERSON, BEST, MARTS, FETZER, MILLS, CHRISTIANSEN, MCKEOWN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 11/12/2024 at 19:02:23

Name of deceased: Merry Lee Peterson (nee Best)

Aged: 86 yrs, 6 mo, 18 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: April 9, 1938; Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Died: Oct. 27, 2024; Elm Crest Retirement Home, Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024; Pauley Jones Funeral Home, Avoca, IA; private family burial was in the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby Cemetery, IA

Survived by: Husband of 65 years, Paul Peterson of Harlan, IA; children, Brenda (spouse, Cliff) Marts, Janine (spouse, Lavern) Fetzer, David (spouse, Tamara) Peterson, and Jean Mills; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Joy (spouse, Gerald) Christiansen; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Lloyd and Lucille (nee McKeown) Best; in-laws, Mary Jane and Keith Peterson

Education: Graduated from Shelby (IA) High School, Class of 1956

Religious affiliation: no information provided

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Paul Peterson; Jan. 10, 1959; First Presbyterian Church, Shelby, IA

Employment: Besides helping out with chores at their farm, Merry Lee was a lab tech in the Omaha, NE area for 3 years, helping start the lab tech program in Millard, NE. She was a rural mail carrier for 20 years in the Shelby-Tennant area, 6 days a week.

Hobbies/Interests: Was a master gardener for 5 years, with one of her specialties being different variations of iris. Most of the irises around Shelby were either grown or planted by her.

Sources: kjan.com; pauleyjones.com