White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Mary E. Peterson, 89 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at the Buchanan CountyHealth Center in Independence.  She was born November 15, 1924 in Buchanan County, near Rowley, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence Henry and Nellie Mae (Wavrin) Rehberg.  She graduated from high school in Rowley, with the Class of 1943, and then, completed her teacher’s training at the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  She taught in the Buchanan County and Benton County country schools for four years, often driving a Model T Ford for transportation.

On December 7, 1945, she and Fred Merwin Peterson were married at the Presbyterian Church in Rowley.  He preceded her in death in 2003.

Mrs. Peterson was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Independence, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, and the Peoples Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.  She was known to have a “green thumb” and also enjoyed handiwork like quilting and crocheting.  She also assisted in the care of the children at Jack and Jill Preschool in Independence.  Her move to Prairie Hills in Independence gave her a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new friends.

Mrs. Peterson is survived by 3 daughters, Patricia (William) Schultz of Robins, Iowa, Shirley (Gus) Hill of Hudson, Iowa, and Amy (Steve) Marlow of Independence, Iowa, and 1 son, James “Pete” (Priscilla) Peterson of Monroe, Iowa.  She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Franklin (Kitty) Rehberg of Rowley, Iowa.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, Wayne Rehberg, and 2 sisters, Dorothy Sorensen and one in infancy.

Visitation will be held after 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  At 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 16^th, there will be a graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  On Saturday, January 25, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., there will be a Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church in Independence.  The family will greet friends after 10:00 a.m.