Alice Berniece Peterson

PAUL – Alice Berniece Bowers Peterson, an 87-year-old resident of Paul, Idaho, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, at her home.

Mom was born Jan. 21, 1926, at her parents’ home in Burley, Idaho. Mom was the third child born to Elias Dewey Bowers and Hannah (Andersen) Bowers. She attended schools in Burley and graduated with the class of 1943. After high school graduation, she went to work as a dental assistant for Dr. Shepherd. A mutual friend introduced Mom to Max Everett Peterson and they were married Nov. 2, 1943, in Paul, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on August 15, 1963.

Soon after their marriage, they moved to Albany, Calif., where Dad worked in the Naval ship yards and Mom cleaned houses. They then lived in Klamath Falls, Ore., for a short time but returned home when Dad was to be inducted into the United States Army. Maxeen was born in September of 1944 while Dad was in basic training. He was able to see her when she was 3 days old and the next time he saw her she was about 2 years old. This was a hard time for Mom as she had a new baby, her husband and brothers were fighting in World War II, and life was uncertain. She lost her brother, Rex, in that war. After Dad returned home from the war, they set about building a life and adding to their family. Allen was born in 1948, Clair in 1951, Colleen in 1953, and Jean in 1956.

In 1949, Dad and Mom purchased a farm and dairy from Dad’s uncle, Harve Moncur, and started their farming career. After selling the farm and dairy, they moved to the farm that Mom was living on at the time of her passing. Through the years, Mom worked at Valley Livestock Commission Company on sale day, kept books for Price and Henderson Oil Company, worked at the Heyburn Post Office, and weighed beets in the fall at the Schodde Beet Dump. After the kids were raised, Mom became Dad’s “hired man” and they purchased another farm down the road. Dad said she was the best hired man he ever had. Mom had her own tractor and they spent many years having fun farming together.

Winters were spent in Yuma, Ariz., and St. George, Utah. Many good friends were made and lots of fun times were had during the years they were snowbirds. When Dad’s health started to fail in 2002, they sold their home in St. George and returned home to Paul. Mom was a dedicated caregiver to Dad and lovingly took care of him until he passed away in 2004. A big hole was left in Mom’s heart when Dad passed away and she missed him every single day. We take great comfort knowing that they are together and having a wonderful reunion.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various callings and particularly enjoyed serving as Primary president.

She is survived by her children, Maxeen Ward of Elba, Idaho, Clair (Kris) Peterson of Heyburn, Idaho, Colleen Tilby of Burley, Idaho, and Jean (Albert) Belliston of Heyburn, Idaho; 11 grandchildren, Casey Ward, Jill (Tyler) Powers, Deanna Peterson, Robb (Kristi) Peterson, Kae (Roger) Schaeffer, Laura Lynard, Rebecca (Zachary) Hansen, Bryan (Johleen) Belliston, Sarah (Rich) Hemsley, Mark (Angie) Belliston, and Elizabeth (Brian) Scott; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Max; one son, Allen Peterson; sons-in- law, Morgan T. Ward and Travis K. Tilby; grandson, Jack T Ward; great-grandson, Everett John Belliston; three brothers, Neal, Rex, and Clyde “Tobe” Bowers; and a sister, Doris Tracy Edwards.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at the Emerson LDS Church, 125 S. 950 W., of Paul, with Bishop Rick May officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call at the church on Friday morning from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Horizon Home Health and Hospice for the loving care given to our mother the last two years. Pam and Jordann, we will be forever grateful for all you did for Mom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.