Barbara L. "Peggy" Peterson

Barbara L. "Peggy" Peterson, 88, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Rolling Meadows Health & Rehabilitation Center in LaFontaine.

Born in Marion on March 20, 1937, to John W. and Goldie M. (Mundy) Thompson, Peggy lived a life full of love, kindness, and compassion. On August 10, 1956, she married the love of her life, William "Bill" Peterson, with whom she shared nearly 70 wonderful years.

Peggy was a proud graduate of Marion High School. She began her career as a telephone operator at Indiana Bell, later working as a sales associate at Rust Craft Cards and Hallmark, where her love for greeting cards truly shined. She also spent many years at Elder-Beerman, forming lasting friendships and mentoring the young women she worked alongside. A devoted member of both Central Christian Church and First Christian Church, Peggy's faith and commitment to her community were at the heart of her life.

Peggy had a passion for travel, especially her cherished trips to Mississippi to visit her brother and his family. Known for her warm heart and social spirit, she never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her kindness, generosity, and ability to see the good in everyone made her beloved by all who knew her. She had a special love for animals and was a supporter of their welfare. Peggy also loved to have family dinners for every occasion, and she spent her free time going to her grandkids' sporting and school events.

Peggy and her sister, Bobbie, were frequently mistaken for twins, thanks to their close bond they shared. Whether browsing stores on countless shopping trips or organizing the church rummage sale--which they ran together for over a decade--they were rarely seen apart.

She is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Peterson of Marion; sons, William (Becky) Peterson of Converse and Richard "Rick" Peterson of Marion; daughter, Kimberly "Kim" (Mike) Ziner of Wabash; grandchildren, Jason Peterson, Jeremy (Shevonne) Peterson, Ryan (Bethany) Peterson, Corey (Lindsey) Cook, and Melissa Rolph; great-grandchildren, Avanly, Kierstin, Brailyn, Bentley, Rory, Eli, Carson, Truett, Daxxton, Annaleigh, Wells, and Willow; step-grandchildren, Michael (Nicole) Ziner and Erika Ziner; step-great-grandchildren, Claire and Mikey; brother, Richard (Frances) Thompson of Mississippi; brother-in-law, James Peterson of Marion; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends with whom she shared a special bond; and her beloved cats, Precious and Mama.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Roberta "Bobbie" Sue Peterson.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

A celebration of Peggy's life will begin at 12:00 noon, officiated by Rev. Haley Asberry. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory in Marion.

In honor of Peggy's love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.nswcares.com.