Mary Ellen Peterson

Mary Ellen Peterson, 69 of Aledo, died Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, Davenport. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd at 11:00 AM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, with visitation prior to services from 9 to 11 AM. Burial will be in Peniel Cemetery, Joy, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Senior Citizen’s Center or the Mercer County VFW.

Mary Ellen was born on March 20, 1955, in Aledo, Illinois to Kenneth & Mary Elaine (Nelson) Dixon. She married Thomas Peterson on July 14, 1984. He preceded her in death on October 10, 2022.

Mary received her education degree from Western Illinois University. She began her teaching career at Alwood, where she also coached volleyball. She retired as the Special Education instructor at Aledo Junior High.

In her retirement Mary enjoyed going to the YMCA where she played pickle ball and swam. She also enjoyed going to thrift stores and River Bandits Games. Tom and Mary took many camping trips. Mary cherished the time spent with family and friends and spent many hours visiting with friends at the Senior Center and with her church family at College Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Those left to carry on Mary’s legacy include her children: Derek Peterson, Brandi Peterson and Angela (Sam) Faulkner; Grandchildren: Brekkon Daniels, Blazin Daniels and Sam Faulkner, Jr; Great-grandson, Braiden Daniels; her parents: Kenny and Elaine Dixon; siblings: Dave (Brenda Wagner) Dixon; Dean & Patty Dixon and Amy (Jason Sweat) Dixon.