Verla Petersen

VERLA PETERSEN FORT WAYNE, IN -- Verla Minnie Gardner Petersen, 90, formerly of Idaho Falls, passed away April 8, 2010 at her daughter’s home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Verla was born September 15, 1919 in Teton, Idaho to Elmer Gardner and Mable Olsen Gardner. She and her twin sister Vera were the oldest of seven children. She grew up in the Teton area and attended schools in Rexburg. On April 15, 1941, Verla married Wesley Tony Petersen in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was later solemnized August 24, 1965 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were blessed with two daughters. Verla lived in Idaho Falls for over 51 years. Wesley passed away on July 26, 1987. Verla was a homemaker and a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed her membership and service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings. Her hobbies included crochet, embroidery, baking, fishing, and crafts. She especially loved spending time with her family. Survivors include: Daughter: Billie Ann (Keith) Reeder, Woods Cross, UT Daughter: Toni Rae (Nelson) Merkley, Fort Wayne, IN Sisters: Vera Scott of Ogden, UT; Velora (Chuck) Dolezal of Grass Valley, CA; and Joyce (Earl) Miller of Riverdale, UT Brother: Arlan (Joanne) Gardner of Sugar City, ID Brother-in-Law: Max Mitchell of Cameron Park, CA 6 Grandchildren & 17 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Elmer Lyle Gardner, her sister, Marjorie "Marge" Mitchell, her first husband, Wesley, and her second husband, Floyd Williams. Graveside Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2010, at the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery in Blackfoot under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. A private family visitation will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, prior to leaving for the Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Juanita Muntzinger jmuntzin@aol.com Toni and Nelson, Please accept my sincere sympathy. What a blessing to have had a devoted and loving mother. Juanita Steven and Jana Gardner Verla was a wonderful neighbor and friend, to us and our children. We always felt welcome in her home and we enjoyed her company. We have very fond memories of her and express our most sincere condolences to all of her family at her passing. Christine Merkley Wilson and Family Grandma, we love you and know you are so happy up in Heaven! Wish we could be there to share our fond memories of our Grandma and Great-Grandma. Our thoughts are there with you today. Love, Christine, Nick, and Cami