Phyllis Peterson

PHYLLIS PETERSON Click here to view a video of Phyllis' life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Phyllis Winona Peterson, 84, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 1, 2008, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born May 27, 1924, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Claude and Ella Camille Coady Solomon. Phyllis was raised in Santa Rosa, California, and attended high school and junior college there. She worked as a munitions inspector for the U.S. Army during World War II, and was proud to be the only woman chosen to do the job at the San Francisco plant. In 1944, Phyllis married Marine Corps fighter pilot, George Yorg, and raised her four children in California. Later, she returned to work as a buyer in the aerospace industry and retired as an aerospace executive secretary after a 24-year career. During that time she married moon lander engineer Norman Peterson, and added three more children to her family fold. Phyllis retired in 1990 and moved to Idaho Falls, in support of the Idaho branch of her family. Phyllis spent a lifetime in community service. She served as president of the philanthropic Dolphins Womens' Club in Manhattan Beach, California. A music lover and violinist, she also promoted the arts and served as president of the Beach Cities Symphony in Redondo Beach, California. In Idaho Falls, she was a volunteer for EIRMC, spending time traveling the Idaho countryside, installing Lifeline systems for other seniors. In addition, Phyllis served as a deacon and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Idaho Falls, and worked at the church as administrative support until her death. Our mother was the center of our family; adored and admired by each of us. She taught us to be strong and caring individuals. Her lessons included the importance of service to others, and the love and support of family. In her later years she traveled the world, painted nature scenes, and fully enjoyed her garden and her friends. Her prominence in our lives will be missed greatly, but her strength and compassion will be with us forever. She is survived by her children, Linda (Robert) McNulty of Victoria, Minnesota, Richard Yorg of Idaho Falls, Stephen (Janet) Yorg of Walnut Creek, CA, and Jeffrey Yorg of Idaho Falls. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Amy Kaehler, Michael Yorg, Melissa (Yorg) Cerise-Bullock, Sara Yorg (Josh Ceci), Lisa Yorg, Cody Yorg, and Kirstin Yorg; and seven great-grandchildren; Shane Kaehler, Makenna Kaehler, Shawn Ceci, Jack Kaehler, Riley Yorg, Lucas Ceci, and Ella Yorg. In addition, Phyllis is survived by three stepchildren, Ingrid DeCook, Walter Peterson, and Erik Peterson. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Hilda Yorg, and a great- granddaughter, Maya Ione Lilly. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Falasco officiating. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Chapel of the Chimes Cemetery in Oakland, California. --------------------------------------------- Condolences Received Online: Sara Yorg sarayorg@msn.com Dear Nana, Well Nana, though you've come to the end of the road what a well traveled road it was. I will forever live my life with your words of wisdom I WILL be STRONG and face the world with courage, you are my inspiration .I LOVE YOU and hope that you having a great journey.4ever&ever Sara Jodi Yorg (Pickl) Good bye Phyllis . . . You were a great mentor to me, you taught me so many things about life and I will NEVER forget that . . . you are a great woman . . . Thank you for being my friend, I will love you always and forever . . . Marilyn Miller-Pulmonary Rehab marilyn.miller@hcahealthcare.com I have known Phyllis for years - first meeting her through our Pulmonary Rehab Department. She was a class act. What I will remember her most for is her love of her family. She always talked about you. Recently I became a widow and joined the ladies dinner group of which Phyllis attended and I was anxiously awaiting her return. My sincere condolences and prayers are with you. Marilyn Miller