Phyllis J. Peterson

Phyllis J. Peterson, 87, of Galesburg, died at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the home she had created with her community at The Kensington. Phyllis was born December 30, 1930 in Clarinda, the daughter of Wayne R. and Dorothy E. (Schantz) Kerns. She married Rayder L. Peterson, Sr. on February 10, 1951 in Moline. Phyllis is survived by one son, Todd W. (Teri) Peterson of East Galesburg; one daughter, Constance O. (Christopher) Peterson-Miller of South Bend, IN; three grandchildren, Lorcan and Maeve Peterson-Miller, and Christian Peterson; and one sister, Katherine Ann Crain of Orion, and her sister’s four children who called her Nana. She was preceded in death by twin sons, Rayder Lincoln, Jr. and Johnnie Joe; a brother, Danny Kerns and a sister, Shirley Beth Kerns. Phyllis worked for Barash and Stoerzbach Law Office for more than 30 years as a legal secretary, retiring in 1997. She was an active member of First Christian Church. She is remembered as an energetic and creative woman, a nurturing mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, and a loyal friend who traversed the globe to support, inspire, and adventure with her loved ones. She was a steadfast booster for her children’s and her grandchildren’s athletic and musical activities, and a source of inspiration for their artistic expressions. She cheered on Notre Dame with her son-in-law every autumn, and she served as a “comadre” (a co-mother) to hundreds of international students. She crocheted afghans to welcome newborns into family and community, and she celebrated every day with music, laughter, and conversation. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at First Christian Church. Pastor M.J. Fitch will officiate. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to our local Beacon of Hope Hospice or the National Hospice Foundation.