Elsie Peterson

Elsie (Voth) Peterson, age 78, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 9, 2016. Elsie was born on July 23, 1937, in Herbert SK, the fourth of seven children born to John & Mary (Andres) Voth. Elsie grew up on the family farm at Greenfarm, where she also attended church and took her schooling. She helped on the farm with household chores and taking care of younger siblings, but was rarely found doing chores in the farm yard. Elsie was involved with the church and many school activities, especially sports and music. At a young age Elsie showed an interest in the piano and so her first piano was bought and put to very good use. She spent many hours practicing and entertaining the family. Elsie moved into town with her parents at the age of 18, at that time attending Herbert Bible School and received her diploma in 1957. In 1961, Elsie had a very special gentleman enter her life, and on June 2, 1961, she married Cecil Peterson. They established their home in Herbert and in January 1963, their first born, Rodney Grant Peterson, arrived. Sadly, Rodney had complications and passed away six weeks later. Elsie had a very hard time with that loss, but her strong faith pulled her through this situation. In December 1963, Larry Allan Peterson was born, followed by Kelly Scott Peterson in December 1966, Sharilyn Faye in August 1968, and Bradley Lorne in August 1972. Their family was complete and life had begun. Elsie was a homemaker first and foremost, her kids and husband were her priority. The first few years she was always busy in the house or around the yard. She could be found baking, tending to kids, gardening, or just busy with the usual household chores. They operated a greenhouse from their home, and many people came and bought their bedding plants there. She had a green thumb and some beautiful plants, which also lead her to be involved with the Horticulture Association. That kept her very busy but she never complained. Later on in her life when her kids were older, she accepted a position at the Herbert School and was a teacher aide for many years with her time spent working with special needs children. She loved her job and shared a bond with each one of the children she worked with. Elsie was also a cake decorator and taught decorating classes for this. She made many birthday, anniversary, wedding cakes, and for all kinds of special occasions. She was also busy with church activities, many of which involved using her talent as a musician. She played for many years for a quartet, in church, at the local Care Centres, and at many a funeral. Most of all and most special was the music heard in her home. As the kids grew up and left home, Elsie continued to teach at the school. When Cecil took ill and was battling cancer, she continued to work and care for her family all while taking special care of her husband. Again, with no complaint and strength only God could provide, she went about her daily duties. On August 19, 1992, Elsie said goodbye to the Love of her life. This left a huge hole in her life, but her strength and faith carried her. She was always involved in whatever activities her kids were participating in — whether it was sports teams, youth events, or just helping them through their own struggles. When it came time to meet the future daughter or son-in-law, she welcomed them with open arms. In April of 1996, Elsie’s first grandchild arrived and her new mission in life had started. The role of Grandma had begun and she accepted it with open arms. To follow in the next few years was a baby boom, with Elsie having a total of 14 special grandchildren. In those years, there were many special times spent with each one of them. She also continued to care for her aging parents, doing as much as she could for them. In the spring of 2012, she moved from her home in Herbert to the Herbert Heritage Manor and about a year later she moved to the Prairie Pioneers Lodge in Swift Current. Elsie was to move to the brand new Meadows Care Facility in July, but the Lord and her may have decided she had moved enough, and He chose to move her to a brand new home with Him. Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Cecil Peterson; her son, Rodney Peterson; her grandson, Matthew; her parents, John & Mary Voth; two brothers, Victor Voth and Harry Voth; and by her sister-in-law. Her memory will be forever cherished by her children, Larry (Eunice) Peterson, Kelly (Laura) Peterson, Sharilyn (Wade) Klassen, Bradley (Holly) Peterson; her grandchildren, Sandra Trimble, Rachelle Peterson, Michaela and Colten Peterson, Brett, Dylan and Joshua Klassen, Victoria, Nicole, Olivia and Alyssa Peterson; her extended family, Sandra Trimble, Tanya Trimble, Rodney & Erica Trimble, Tracey & Donny White; her brothers, Abe (Lynn) Voth, Bill (MaryAnn) Voth, Wes (Norlaine) Voth, Lorne (Judy) Voth; her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Voth and Carol Voth; and by many nieces and nephews to whom she was quite special.

The Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:00 pm from the Grace Community Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. The obituary was shared by Blair Voth Miller. Special music was provided by Janessa Phillips singing, “I Can Only Imagine”. The family tributes were read by Judy Voth. A photo tribute was shown, with “Name” played in the background by Michaela Peterson. The ushers in the church were Ken Siemens and Keith Andres. The Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service and was held at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with the following grandchildren serving as pallbearers, Victoria Peterson, Brett Klassen, Michaela Peterson, Rachelle Peterson, Nicole Peterson, Dylan Klassen, Colten Peterson, Olivia Peterson, Alyssa Peterson, and Joshua Klassen. The honorary pallbearers were Abe & Lynn Voth, Bill & Maryann Voth, Wes & Norlaine Voth, and Lorne & Judy Voth. In memory of Elsie Peterson, donations made to the Herbert Mennonite Central Committee would be appreciated by the family.

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