Leola Petersen, 92, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 18, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Leola was born May 25, 1931, in Sheep Creek, Idaho, to George and Lois Lee. She grew up in Sheep Creek and went to school in Raymond, Wyoming, with her siblings David, Buck, Joe, Lila, Georgia, and Maxine, until moving to Montpelier, Idaho, in 1943.

Leola had two children Lois Carlton and Mike Tolman. Leola later met the love of her life John Oliver Petersen (Pete) and they were married July 18, 1957. Pete had five children from a previous marriage, Bob, Marie, Linda, Gary and Arlene, that Leola loved as her own. Together, Pete and Leola had five children Bonnie, Lori, Ryan, Mona, and Shawn.

Leola lived and loved life to the fullest. She enjoyed working with the public and had many jobs throughout her life. She loved her career at the Bear Lake Senior Citizens Center in Montpelier, Idaho. She started working as a cook and retired from there as the Manager. Leola had many hobbies that she loved, cooking, sewing, canning, crochet, reading and music. Leola loved everyone and everyone loved her. She always made everyone feel loved and welcomed. She always had the coffee on, and you never left with an empty stomach.

Leola is survived by her children, Lois Carlton, Mike Tolman, Bonnie DelRio, Lori (Don) Hansen, Ryan Petersen, Shawn (Nelly) Petersen, Marie (Dusty) Moore, Linda (LLoyd) Rasmussen, Gary (Darlene) Petersen, Arlene (Tom) Bailey, 40 grandchildren, 75 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Leola is proceeded in death by her loving husband John Oliver Petersen, her daughter Mona Christensen, her parents George and Lois Lee, her brothers Joe, Buck, David, Her sisters Lila and Georgia, her stepson Bob Petersen, Mel Petersen.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Montpelier Cemetery in Montpelier, Idaho, at 1:00 p.m. Prior to the service there will be a viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Schwab-Matthews Mortuary. There will be a viewing on May 29, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schwab-Matthews Mortuary.