Florence Ann Peterson

1951 - 2025

Memorial services will be held Saturday December 27, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel in Farmerville, LA. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. til time of service on Saturday December 27, 2025 at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel. Florence Ann Russell Peterson, age 74, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. She was born on September 21, 1951, to Lorraine Berndt and Herbert Russell.

Florence completed her Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) degree in 1970 and began her lifelong career of service at St. Mary’s Hospital in Superior, Wisconsin. In 1973, she married John Peterson, and together they welcomed two children, Preston and Darcie. Though the marriage later ended in divorce in 1976, Florence remained devoted to her children throughout her life.

Florence later remarried and relocated from Duluth, Minnesota, to Lafayette, Louisiana, beginning a new chapter both personally and professionally. She worked for Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers, where she quickly advanced to Crew Chief, a role she was especially proud of. She also worked for Autenrieth Security before moving to Ruston, Louisiana, where she was employed at the Comfort Inn.

Following her divorce, Florence returned to the work closest to her heart—caring for others as a CNA in nursing homes. Over the course of more than 40 years, she lovingly tended to what she often referred to as “her people,” providing compassion, dignity, and steadfast care.

In her later working years, Florence was employed with Smithfield Farms in Iowa, though she deeply missed her family in Louisiana. After surviving a near-fatal accident on December 11, 2011, and enduring a long recovery, she made the decision to return home. In May of 2015, Florence moved back to Louisiana, where she spent her remaining years surrounded by family.

Florence was a devout Christian woman of Catholic belief, unashamed of her faith and eager to share the love of Jesus with friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. She had an immense love for animals of all kinds, frequently opening her home and heart to those in need, often adopting more than she could reasonably manage—but never more than she could love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorraine Berndt and Herbert Russell; her fiancé, Johnny Ringo; and her son-in-law, Marvin Bryan Flowers.

Florence is survived by her son, Preston (Pam) Peterson; her daughter, Darcie (Leonce) Guidry; her grandchildren, Paige (Brandon) Voss, Shelby Flowers, Lauren (Gabriel) Allen, Sarah Guidry, and Sophie Peterson; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Madelyn Voss.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Harris, Dr. Thompson, and the staff at Reeves Memorial Medical Center for their compassionate care. Special thanks are also given to Nikki Camp of Allegiance Healthcare for not only providing exceptional care, but for being a true friend. Deep appreciation is extended to Ariel and Anya of Arbor Lake, whose kindness and dedication were nothing short of angelic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Union Humane Society or the pet rescue organization of one’s choice.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
— A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh