Betty Peterson

Betty Jean (Lee) Peterson, 71, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. In 2020 she was diagnosed with brain cancer and given just months to live; but because she was tough as nails, she gave us three more years of memories to cherish.

She was born September 15, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa to Kenneth and Phyllis (Reynolds) Lee. She attended school in Des Moines and graduated from North High School in 1970. She worked for Employers Mutual for 12 years. During this time, she met Gary Peterson and fell in love. They were united in marriage on June 5, 1976 during the bicentennial year. Before retiring in 2013, Betty worked 27 years for the Saydel School District, first as a cook and then as manager of the High School kitchen.

Betty was always a loving wife, mom, and grandma. She enjoyed family get togethers where she would cook way more than we could ever eat. Usually filling all four of our refrigerators. Betty loved to go on vacations, often to Colorado and New Mexico to see relatives. We’ll never forget the day she talked us into going river rafting down the Colorado. Betty also enjoyed working in her many flower and vegetable gardens. She shared her bountiful harvest with friends and family. Betty was a caretaker through and through.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Gary Peterson; children, Jim (Nicole) Peterson, Tabitha Peterson, Mark (Madison) Peterson; grandchildren, William Peterson, Iris Peterson, and Isabelle Peterson; brother, Kenneth Lee, niece, Medakarla Lee; nephew, Jesse Lee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Phyllis Lee.

Family will greet friends Friday, September 22, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, September 23, 2023, also at the funeral home beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will occur directly following services at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family to donate to the U of I Stead Children’s Hospital in loving memory of Betty Peterson.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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