ROCHESTER – Thelma Pauline Ailer Peterson, 93, formerly of Rochester, passed away May 16, 2015, at Grace Village Health Care Center. She was born Nov. 23, 1921, in Fulton County, the cherished daughter of Russell and Blanche Wynn Ailer. On Oct. 25, 1941, in Tiosa, she married Maurice J. Peterson, who died July 31, 1989. Together they enjoyed over 47 years of life's adventures and from their union came a son, Barry. Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of two more generations. Growing up as the second eldest, she shared her childhood with three sisters: Velma, Donna Jo and Phyllis. With great Hickory pride she graduated with her class from Talma High School in 1939. In the early years, on their Newcastle Township farm, she took care of her family, cooking and domestic chores. Additionally, she maintained the yard and gardens while overseeing the chicken operation. She was a loyal and devoted member of the Riverview Community Church. As an adventurer, she and Maurice took to the road in their travel trailer, visiting every state except Alaska. Some of their favorite destinations were the Rocky Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. They wintered in Yuma, Ariz., for 11 years. Later they visited Hawaii, Bahamas and several European countries. There were memorable trips to Canada, and they were once a part of a 32-day caravan to Baja, Mexico, that included a ride on a ferry. She and her trio of BFF lady friends – Elnora Craig, Pat Evans and Lois Doud – shared the joy of venturing out on bus trips. They also drove to other locales east of the Mississippi River. Many times they enjoyed employing practical jokes on each other and thunderous laughter that accompanied the prank. Dining out and a drive through the country was a great way for them to relax with much chatter, catching up on the latest. The matriarch of the Peterson family, she was proud to oversee four generations. She enjoyed living near her family while watching her grandchildren, Amy and Brian, grow up to the adults they are today. The great-grandchildren brought her happiness, keeping track of their school activities and with their visits at the holidays and special family celebrations. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Barry (and spouse Judy) Peterson, Rochester; a granddaughter, Amy (and spouse Shawn) Elliott, Laingsburg, Mich., and their two children, Austin and Josh Elliott; a grandson, Brian (and spouse Tracy) Peterson, Winona Lake, and their three children: Haley, Emily and Abbey Peterson; three sisters: Velma Horn, Mentone; Donna Jo Ailer, Mishawaka; Phyllis (and spouse Robert) Swanson, Atwood; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also preceding her in death were her parents. A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Rod Ruberg officiating. Burial, next to her beloved husband Maurice, is in Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Calling is two hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the Riverview Community Church or to the charity of donor's choice. Condolences may be sent via www.goodfamilyfh.com
