Zelma May Peterson

Zelma May Peterson, 88, of Idaho Falls, Formerly of Garfield, died Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. She was born January 29, 1922, in Lewisville to Arthur C. and Ruby Mae Barney Staten. On November 16, 1937, she married H. Ray Peterson. They made their home in Garfield, where they farmed for 48 years. H. Ray died November 28, 1994. She taught special education for 12 years at the St. Leon Opportunity Center in School District 93, serving as principal part of the time. She taught and was a consultant at the child development center. After earning her master’s degree, she taught in the Sun Valley-Hailey area for a year before returning to School District 91 in Idaho Falls, where she worked until she retired. She is listed in “Outstanding Elementary Teachers,” “Who’s Who of American Women” and “Who’s Who in the World of Women.” She has many interests, special among them being her family, friends and crafts. She is survived by her son, Lynn Peterson, of Estrada, Oregon, 2 brothers, Jay Pinnock of Pahrump, Nevada, Chris Christianson of Spokane, Washington, 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruby Staten, her husband, H. Ray Peterson, daughter, Sherry Fisher, and two brothers Ivan Staten and Barney Staten. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 17, 2011, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday evening, and from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. prior to services, Monday, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.