Metta Petersen

1939 - 2025

Metta Petersen
February 3, 1939 - September 23, 2025
Metta Ann Petersen, 86, passed away at Colonial Vista Assisted Living on September 23, 2025. Metta was born in Wenatchee, WA on February 3, 1939 to Ruth and Harold Petersen. She was baptized at the Waterville Federated Church.
The family lived near Douglas, WA where Metta attended the Douglas School, graduating from the 8th grade. When she rode her horse to school, her little sister, Mary Beth, often begged to ride along. Metta would happily take her to school with her for the day.
In 1948 the family moved to Waterville due to their home being destroyed by the flood. In 1957 Metta graduated from Waterville High School. She then attended Wenatchee Valley College where she was a member of the school's choir, traveling throughout the Columbia River valley, singing as well as playing piano for the men's quartet. Metta completed her education at the University of Puget Sound where she was a member of the Adelphian Concert Choir. During this time, the choir toured the British Isles, performing in a variety of churches in England, Scotland and Ireland. In addition to being an accomplished singer and pianist, Metta learned the trade of pipe organ construction while attending Central Lutheran Church in Tacoma, and was able to travel to several churches in the Pacific Northwest to help with organ installation.
Metta made her home in Tacoma, WA where she worked for Allied Stores (Bon Marche) in departments ranging from warehouse management to sales in fine china, dresses and jewelry. She worked in downtown Seattle, Northgate and the Tacoma Mall stores. Eventually she bought a home near the Tacoma Mall where she lived until her retirement in 2001. At that time she moved to Wenatchee where she enjoyed living in her new home until her move to Colonial Vista Senior Living in 2020. Wherever she went, Metta knew no stranger. At Colonial Vista she made numerous friends because of her positive attitude, ready laugh, listening ear and a ready supply of snacks to share.
Metta is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Harold Petersen. She is survived by a sister, Mary Beth (David) Elliott; a brother, Tom (Diane) Petersen; six nieces and nephews including, Lewis ( Stephanie) Elliott, Catherine Burwell, Boyd (Amber) Petersen, Darin Petersen, Brad Petersen and Hilary (Sam) Lester; plus thirteen great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Waterville Cemetery on October 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by lunch in the United Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Donations in her memory may be made to the Waterville Historical Society or the Waterville Ambulance Service.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Colonial Vista for their kindness in caring for Metta.
Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.