Shirley Peterson

It's with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Shirley Peterson. Our beautiful Shirley passed away peacefully on December 20th,2023.

Shirley was born October 17th, 1931 to Orson Van Buren and Louie Verl Landon in Hamer, ID.

Shirley was the 9th child born in a combined family of 14. Shirley spent her younger years in Hamer on the family farm. Growing up on the farm during the depression there wasn't much to spare. Shirley helped tend to her younger siblings and with the chores. When they had some free time from the farm work her and her siblings would tie strings to scorpions tails and walk them around like pets (yet she, always told us not to do dumb things like that) Things were tough growing up in those times. However, no matter what was put in front of her, she would overcome these obstacles to become the amazingly funny, smart, strong and perseverant lady we all knew and loved.

She went to school through the 8th grade and then the family moved to Shelley. There she went to school through 11th grade. In 1947 at age 16, Shirley married William (Bill) Hall. They had 4 children: Jay B Hall, Robert William Hall, Cheryl Ann Hall and Vicki Lynn Hall. Unfortunately, at the end of their marriage she was forced to make the hardest decision of her life. That was to give up her 4 children. In 1954 Shirley married Jack Merrill Neff. They had 4 children Michael Jack, Melanie Jo, Marlund Jay and Mareena Janette. They raised their family in Idaho falls. Then in 1974 Jack passed away. Then in 1978 she met and married John Peterson they made their home in Shelley, ID. Where she remained after John passed away in 2001.

Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling, quilting, crocheting, gardening (canning) gambling and telling stories (and boy could she tell a story!) Above all else she loved her family. She loved seeing her siblings, kids, grandkids, great grandkids as often as she could. Even if it was just a quick cup of coffee her heart was full.

Shirley was greeted at the pearly gates by her parents, 10 siblings, the baby she lost, her sons Michael and Jay, her spouses Jack and John. Her stories and memories will live on through 3 siblings, 6 children, 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Her family is planning a celebration of life for late spring. 

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