Janice Fay Peterson

Janice Fay Peterson, 67, passed away peacefully at her home on March 17, 2015, with her family.

Jan was born Jan. 10, 1948, in Brownfield, Texas. She grew up throughout Texas and New Mexico and graduated high school in Lovington, New Mexico. She was united in marriage to Michael L. Peterson in Portales, New Mexico, on July 1, 1967. After the birth of their first two children, they moved to Willow, in May of 1976. In addition to raising her four children she drove dump trucks for the family business, loved running sled dogs, gardening, and any outdoor adventure. She supported her kids in their dog mushing careers, sports and games, and was involved in the Willow community. She was fully engaged at home loving and supporting her husband and family in their life endeavors as well as when Mike was working away from home on the North Slope.

Over the last 30 years she has battled several types of cancer, as well as a stroke and congestive heart failure. She has defied the odds and fought the good fight harder and longer than anyone should ever have to. It seems only fitting that she chose St. Patrick’s Day as her day to move on. Her faith in God was stronger than her will, and her will was stronger than anything we have ever known. She loved God and she loved her family and friends. Her good friend, Jean Holt, recalls a recent conversation where Jan shared a personal experience of when she was 16 years old at a revival she saw the light of God within. We believe that light and faith has brought her incredible strength and peace throughout her life and life’s challenges. Her prayers were that all of her loved ones would find a place in their heart for the Lord.

She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 47 years, Michael L Peterson; brother and sister-in-laws, E.C. and Martha Jenkins of Canyon City, Texas, Mava Peterson of Lovington, New Mexico, FG “Buddy” Peterson of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Shirley and Chester Davenport of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Jean Elam of Jefferson City, Tennessee, Jim and Kay Cloud of Queen Creek, Arizona; children, Rachelle Peterson, Tyson Peterson and Amy Click-Peterson, TJ and Jeff Farnum, Jana Peterson and Brian Tunnell; grandchildren; Sydney, Kealy, Sophie, Trisha, Harper, Thane, Campbell, Birdie, Austin, and Aubrey; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and dear friends throughout the country. Including her “Angel Niece,” Lorrie Dreese, who has continuously supported Jan and family from the time of her paralysis in 1985 to the time of her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Buna Jenkins; mother-and father-in-law, Clyde and Ileen Peterson; brother-in-law, Martin Roe Peterson; and sister-in-law, Joan Martin-Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, Jan’s wishes were for donations to her nephew Christopher T. Bales’ Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship fund was Jan’s idea initially after Christopher passed away at an early age in 2010. She and Mike got it started with its first donation and since then it has helped students every year who have excellent grades and service to their community but lack means to pay for college.

Christopher, like Mom, passed on March 17.

Send donations to Rogue Community College Foundation Christopher T. Bales Scholarship endowment 3345 Redwood Hwy. Grants Pass, Oregon 97527.

Arrangements were cared for by Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel.