Lois M. Peterson

Lois Manetta Peterson, a loyal servant of God, a wonderful mother, and a talented musician passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior on October 25, 2008. She was 92. Lois M. Mohn was born on January 17, 1916 in Mitchell, S. Dakota to M.K. and Inez Mohn. When she was 5 her family moved to St. Helens, Oregon where she lived the rest of her life. She graduated from St. Helens High School as salutatorian of her class in 1932. She received several awards in typing and shorthand competition. Lois worked at the St. Helens Fir-Tex Plant office for a short time until she married Kenneth Peterson in 1935. They raised three sons and were married for 60 years until Kenneth died in 1995. Lois and her family were faithful members of the St. Helens Free Methodist Church. Since she had studied piano for several years, she became the church pianist, a position she held for over 30 years. She also served the church as treasurer and Sunday school teacher. Lois realized she had a gift for teaching piano when she started giving private lessons to children. She had students coming to her home for private lessons for many years and had as many as 30 students at one time. Many children in the St. Helens area got their start in music from Lois' Piano Instruction. She was also gifted at playing the organ, autoharp, and vibraharp. Lois enjoyed family vacations at the beach, working crossword puzzles, and family get-togethers. Lois was preceeded in death by her brother Clyde, and her brother John, who died serving his country in World War II. Lois is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Kendall and Josee Peterson of Scappoose; son and daughter-in-law, Lowell and Margaret Peterson of Milwaukie, and son, Kent of Salem. Seven Grandchildren, 12 Great-Grandchildren; sister, Blanche Gartman, Sister-in-law, Shirley White, several nieces and nephews, and her cat, Stephie, her companion for the last 13 years. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 1:00 PM at Sunset Park Community Church in St. Helens, Oregon. A committal service will follow at Yankton Hillcrest Cemetery. Remembrances may be donated to the Oregon Humane Society.

Lois M. Peterson

January 17, 1916 - October 25, 2008