Norma Jean Peterson

Norma Jean (Augustine) Peterson, 82, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2010, at Mary Greeley Medical Center of coronary failure.

Norma was born January 2, 1928, in Creston, IA. She grew up on the family farm outside Hebron with her parents, Howard and Vergia (Neese) Augustine, and her brother, Marlyn. As young children, Norma and Marlyn rode together on a horse to their country schoolhouse; Norma later boarded with a family while she attended high school in Greenfield.
This Adair county beauty was visiting her grandparents in Stratford when she first caught Bob Peterson's eye at the Hamilton County Fair. Bob and Norma were married on December 29, 1946. They lived on a farm north of Stanhope where they raised two sons, Mike and Matt. In 1994, Bob and Norma moved to Ames. They also had a home in Scottsdale, AZ, where they spent winters for many years.
Norma served in numerous service clubs, including her current membership in KC Chapter, PEO in Ames and the Low-Vision Club in Scottsdale. She was a long-time member of the Stanhope Christian Church and Stanhope Parish and was active in church circles and church choir. She worked at Lubbers Clothing Store in Webster City for several years.
Norma was beautiful in both her person and her personality. Of all the things to which she aspired in her life, none was more important to her than her simple selfless role as a person to whom family and her wide circle of friends and acquaintances turned for comfort and understanding.
Norma's kitchen table was a source of nourishment both of the soul and of the body, where family and friends were treated to her legendary cooking. Norma's daughters-in-law marveled that she could throw together a pie from scratch without a break in conversation. She is remembered for traditional Sunday dinners on the farm with produce from her own garden; birthday parties with family-favorites pudding cake and apple crisp; and impromptu lakeside picnics complete with ice cream sodas for her grandchildren and their friends.
Norma faced any challenges life sent her way with faith, dignity, courage, and strength, including the death of her husband just two weeks prior to her own death. Although she lived more than 80 rich, full years, family and friends can't help but feel they lost her too soon. Norma Jean was our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dearest friend. She was deeply loved, and her memory will live on in our hearts.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; and her brothers, Marlyn and Hershel.
Norma is survived by two sons, Mike (Carol) of Webster City and Matt (Janet) of Ankeny; six grandchildren, Missy (Glen) Keenan, Mia Peterson, Jana (Ian) Besse, Soren (Tory) Peterson, Colin (Elizabeth) Peterson, and Emma Peterson; four great grandchildren, JoEllen and Jack Keenan and Dane and Solon Peterson; and sisters-in-law Bessie Peterson and Margot Augustine.
The family will distribute memorials to the Stanhope Parish and Stanhope Library Fund. A memorial open house celebrating the lives of Bob and Norma will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, 2:30-6:30, at the Stonebrook Clubhouse, 3816 Fletcher Blvd. in Ames.
Adams Funeral Home