Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
Emmetsburg, Iowa
In Loving Memory
Phyllis Peterson
November 17, 1934 - September 21, 2021
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven.
VISITATION
Monday, September 27, 2021
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa
SERVICE
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
11:00 A.M.
Zion Lutheran Church
Ruthven, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Eric Patten
INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa
Phyllis Lu (Ruehle) Peterson, daughter of Clarence and Lu (Bigelow) Ruehle, was born November 17, 1934 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She attended Lake Center School, graduating in 1952. Following graduation Phyllis continued her education at the Swedish School of Nursing in the Twin Cities where she received her LPN license.
On April 2, 1956 Phyllis was united in marriage to Jerald Peterson in Jackson, Minnesota. To this union five children were born, Jim, Joe, Bill, Ann and Sue.
Phyllis’s passion and talent for caring for others gave her a lifetime career in nursing and lasting love for family and friends.
Phyllis was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven where she was an active member of ladies circle. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #33. Phyllis truly enjoyed her coffee groups, Red Hat Society and Waist-Aways group. She loved going fishing and taking of her flower garden. And she always looked forward to getting together with her family and baking for them.
After Jerry’s passing in 1996 Phyllis met her companion of 25 years, Cliff Harris. They enjoyed all of life’s journeys in retirement together.
Phyllis passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at her home in Ruthven, Iowa, at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lu Ruehle; her husband, Jerry; her son, Joe; two brothers, Bruce and Don Ruehle; sisters-in-law, Jean Ruehle, Kay Ruehle and Marge Ruehle; brother-in-law, Terry Menefee; son-in-law, Rusty Harris; and her companion, Cliff Harris.
She is survived by her children, Jim and Julie Peterson of Cherry, Arizona, Bill and Diane Peterson of Webster City, Iowa, Ann Harris of Ruthven, Iowa and Sue Peterson of Ruthven, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Derek Peterson, Jared Peterson, Jennifer Wagner, Jessica Peterson, Eric Peterson, Mike Harris and Jon Harris; fifteen great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Gene Ruehle of Hugo, Minnesota, Jerry Ruehle of Ruthven, Iowa, and Jan Menefee of Casa Grande, Arizona; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Sorry for your loss. I'm sure many families appreciated the help she gave to their loved ones.
Joyce Ruehle Dixson
September 27, 2021 | Ithaca, NY | Coworker
My deepest sympathy and prayers for your family in the loss of Phyllis....she was a great lady. A lot of fun to be around and she was a great help to my mom....So sorry for your loss!!!
Kathy Petersen
September 26, 2021 | Spencer, IA | Friend
To Phyllis' family, our deepest sympathy.
Maureen Horsley
September 26, 2021 | Ruthven, IA | Acquaintance
Ann, Mike, John and all of Phyllis' family - we are so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a special woman and always kind.
Sami (Voss) and Cory Woods
September 26, 2021 | Waverly, IA | Friend
I have never forgotten Phyllis, even though it has been 49 years since I last seen her. I was a 17 year old kid that knew nothing about caring for the elderly, read a thermometer or make a bed. Phyllis took me under her wing and taught me how to do so much. I loved working for her that year before I went on to school. Phyllis you were truely an angel with so much patience, and sense of humor to last a life time. rest in peace Phyllis. I will always remember you were the one that made such a...
JEAN BRENNAN
September 24, 2021 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Ann & Families
Was very sorry to hear of your Mom passing.. Always enjoyed seeing her when I came home.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. In my thought & prayers..
Steph (Smith) Eskildsen
September 23, 2021 | Northwood, IA | Friend
To the kids of Phyllis, I am so sorry for your loss. Always remember all of the memories and good times. Sue Cacek Konkel
Sue Konkel
September 23, 2021 | Wittenberg, WI | Friend
Thinking of you during this difficult time! Such a wonderful lady!
Julie Olson Langel
September 23, 2021 | Sahuarita, AZ | Friend
Jim, Bill, Ann and Suzie. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl (Sassman) Koel
September 22, 2021 | Primghar, IA
