Betty Eileen Thompson Petersen was born Jan. 28, 1926 on a farm near Ellsworth, Iowa.  She was the fourth child of Levi and Mamie Thompson.  She lived at her birth place 'til she was ten, then moved near another small town, Williams Iowa, where she finished her public schooling.  It was here she met her future husband.  He was in the sixth grade, she in the fifth.  The two classes shared the same teacher and the same room at Williams Elementary school.  She remembers Bob at that time because he had broken his arm and could not touch his shoulder during morning exercises.  No other memories of him 'til high school when she was a sophomore and he a junior, they became sweethearts.  Bob graduated, entered college then joined the Air Force while Betty finished high school, entered Ellsworth Junior College at Iowa Falls, Iowa, then entered nurses training at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa.  When Bob finished his missions overseas and returned home, Bob and Betty were married June 20, 1945.  During their years, they lived in Nevada, Iowa, California, Germany, Washington, Illinois.  They were parents of five children, grandparents of eight.  Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers and two sisters, her second son, Steven Petersen and her husband Robert W. Petersen.  They were about to celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary when Bob passed away.

She is survived by her five children and their mates and grandchildren

Craig + Carmen Petersen

Her grandchildren Christopher, Levi + Holly (Steven's children)

Bruce + Rebecca Petersen

Scott Petersen and Jeffrey + Brigitte

Susan + Martin Schulter, Brittany, Kyle + Kimberly

She was brought up in the Lutheran church, was a member at Ellsworth Iowa, William Iowa, Des Moines Iowa, Seattle Wash. Glen Ellen Ill and Saratoga Ca.  She liked to play bridge and golf, enjoyed crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, loved comedy programs, long car trips with Bob and most of all raising her family with Bob.  They were always so happy with everything they were blessed with.  Just a couple of kids who were fortunate to grow old together and still be in love.  Oh how she missed him the last years she was alone.

This obituary was written by Betty sometime after the death of Bob.  Since she wrote and last edited this obituary, 3 great-grandchildren were born.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Betty will be remembered at a Celebration of Life on:

Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at 11:00 am

Immanuel Lutheran Church

14103 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070

Reception follows the service in the church fellowship hall