Betty Jean (Stucki) Peterson

Betty Jean Stucki Peterson passed away in Idaho Falls, Idaho, surrounded by her beloved family December 17, 2023, under the loving care of Aspen Hospice.

Betty was born on December 6, 1930, in Idaho Falls, the eighth of eleven children to Jacob and Mary Butikofer Stucki. She was an adorable, dark-haired spitfire who played childhood games with her brothers.

Betty was raised in Coltman by compassionate parents who dedicated their lives to serving family, church, and community. Jacob Stucki, a Swiss immigrant, instilled in his children a deep appreciation for America. The Stucki children were taught the value of hard work and sacrifice.

Betty attended Coltman Elementary from first through eighth grade. The Stucki children and cousins walked, rode horses or rode in a horse drawn sleigh the 1½ miles to school.  She attended Ucon High School, graduating in May 1948. She was a member of the National Thespian Troop #794, had the lead in the school play, "June Mad", and participated in sports and drill team. She loved swing dancing to Glen Miller tunes at school dances.

A tall, handsome upperclassmen, Lloyd Campbell, captured her interest and they became high school sweethearts. After graduation, Betty attended Utah State College majoring in Interior Design and Home Economics. She kept in touch with Lloyd who attended the University of Idaho.

Betty and Lloyd made an eternal commitment and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple November 15, 1949. They settled in Milo where Lloyd farmed and raised cattle with his father. Their son Steven was born November 1951, and their daughter Jerrilyn in January 1954.

The young couple ventured out on their own and purchased a farm in Jefferson County. Their dream took a detour when Lloyd was diagnosed with cancer and passed away September 1956.

Betty became a widow at 26, with two young children. Betty managed this challenge by moving forward with faith, having a strong work ethic, and choosing a positive attitude

Betty met Jerry Peterson on a blind date set up by mutual friends in June 1959. She was the co-chairman of her tenth high school reunion and asked him out on a second date. Betty and Jerry were married November 14, 1959, in Coltman. Betty, Steven and Jerrilyn adapted easily to family life with Jerry. A daughter, Michelle, born in October 1960, completed their family.

Betty worked for the Rigby School District with Superintendent Virgil Powell. She kept a ledger to record and track expenses and processed the district's payroll by hand. She served on the school board in Jefferson County District 251. She worked for ASCS in Jefferson County with Kay Chapman. She received awards for outstanding performance and exceptional service to the farmers of Jefferson County. Betty displayed an incredible working knowledge of all the farms in Jefferson County and became lifelong friends with many farmers. Betty was the epitome of her Swiss heritage with her precision and organization.

Betty, an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, loved serving with Jerry as an ordinance worker and trainer in the Idaho Falls Temple, as Young Women's President, and at the Humanitarian Center in the Idaho Falls South Stake. Betty actively participated in church activities and social events, and humanitarian projects.

In October 2007, Betty and Jerry sold their farm and purchased a new home in Idaho Falls.  They were embraced by the Shadow Mountain Ward and became cherished members of their new community.

Betty loved traveling, history, interior design, cooking and sewing. Her favorite trips were to Switzerland, Austria, Germany, a road trip to Nauvoo, Christmas in Branson, the tulip festival in Washington state, Jerry's company trips to the Hawaiian Islands, and fishing trips to Alaska.

Even in the face of her own tragedy, Betty moved forward with faith and a positive attitude. She survived cancer at 81, lost Jerry to Covid in 2021, endured declining health, and stayed true to her values. She celebrated her 93rd birthday on December 6, with family, friends, flowers and birthday wishes.

Betty is survived by her son, Steven (Julie) Campbell; daughters, Jerrilyn (Leon) McInelly; and Michelle (Mark, deceased) Warbis; brother, Conley (Beverly) Stucki; brother-in-law, Ken Crellin; sister-in-law, Carol (Dave) Hix.

She is survived by her ten grandchildren, Jennifer (Patrick) McInelly-Byrne; Jessica (Gus) Caterinicchio; Brian (Whitney) Warbis; Alexis (Dan Evans) Campbell; Tyrel (TJ) Campbell; Amanda McInelly (Nate) Duval; Jenna (Scott) Gilbert; Trent  (Amanda) Warbis; Melissa McInelly; and Caitlin (Richard) Andrew.

She is survived by her great-grandchildren, Patrick, Finn and Amelia Byrne; Tuff and Brooks Warbis; Sobella and Angus Evans; Gabriel, Vincent and Theo Caterinicchio; Juliette, Griffin, Keegan, Sella Rose, and Drew Duval; and Vivian Andrew.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Idaho Falls Shadow Mountain Ward, 3721 Shadow Mountain Trail Road. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center at ifareahumanitariancenter.org .

Services will be broadcast live here .