Nelda Peterson

Nelda Mae Peterson, 72, Independence, MO, died Sunday, January 13, 2008, at Centerpoint Medical Center. Nelda was born August 7, 1935, to Josephine E. and Franklyn E. Ebeling at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital. She attended Independence public schools, graduated from Wm. Chrisman High School in 1953. She graduated from Graceland University in 1955 and Draughon’s Business College in 1956. She married Thomas R. Peterson April 7, 1956 at the Stone Church in Independence. She was a member of the Community of Christ and served faithfully in choirs, youth camp ministry, youth leadership, and directing youth and girls camps. She was the office manager for her father’s trucking company. She volunteered at the Hays Public Library, St. Anthony’s Hospital Auxiliary, and as the fall festival organizer for Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays, KS. She attained her EMT/CNA training from Fort Hays State University. Nelda served as athletic trainer at Wm. Chrisman High School from 1980 to 1984 and was affectionately known as “Mom Peterson” by her athletes. She worked in the ER at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital and also in the Gift Shops at Missouri Town and The Groves, as well as secretary at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Raytown. Nelda was preceded in death by her parents and sister JoAnn. She is survived by her husband Tom of the home: her children, Douglas Randall and wife Stacey of Aurora, CO; Danelle Renee Harris and husband Scott of Arnold, MO; and Dana Rae Speigle and husband Dan of Blue Springs, MO; six grandchildren, Sarah, Vincent, Richard, Andrew, Nick, and Olivia; her sister Earlena Reneau Finken; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of good friends and neighbors. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Groves Endowment Fund, 1515 W. White Oak, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be 6:30-8:30 pm Tuesday, January 15, at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Services will be at 10:00 am Wednesday in the Community Room at The Groves. Burial will be in Mound Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.speakschapel.com. (Arr: Speaks Suburban Chapel. 816-373-3600)