Lela Peterson

Lela Ruth (Mull)(Stevens) Peterson, age 96, of Scranton, passed away on Jan. 22 at the Gardens in Jefferson.

She was born on March 6, 1917 at Benton and was the daughter of Walter F. and Rosa Mae (Waggoner) Mull.  Affectionately known to most as “Lee”, she grew up in Ringgold County and attended country school as girl.  She was married to Wilmer “Shorty” Stevens on May 11, 1935 at the Christian Church parsonage in Boone.  The couple made their home in Scranton where they raised their family.   Shorty passed away on March 5, 1981and Lee was later married to Virgil “Shorty” Peterson on December 20, 1992 at the Scranton Church of Christ.  Lee had many jobs over the years in Scranton.  She was a member of the Scranton Church of Christ and the Rebekah Lodge. Lee was the oldest living resident in Scranton and she lived in her home for over 70 years. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, flower gardening, visiting friends and relatives, and she loved to spend time with her grandchildren.

Lela is survived by a daughter: Joyce Frazier and her husband Larry of Scranton; two sons: Kenneth Stevens of Glidden and Dennis Stevens and his wife Leigh of Norwalk, Connecticut; 11 grandchildren: Randy, Jodie, Mike, Cindi, Brenda, Todd, Heather, Hope, Brian, Lexi and Garrett; 27 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother: Everett Mull and his wife Dolores of Jefferson; sister: Gladys Lambert of Ft. Dodge; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

Lela was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; two sisters: Opal Anderson and Neva Matticks; three brothers: Harold, Homer, and Arlo Mull; two daughters-in-law: Melanie Stevens and Verneva Stevens, and a great-granddaughter Katie RosaLee Van Horn.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 27 at the Church of Christ in Scranton with Pastor Bob McKnight officiating.  Visitation was at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton after 5 p.m. on Jan. 26 where there was a prayer service held at 7 p.m.  Visitation resumed at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 27 until the time of service.  Organist for the service was John Van Horn.  Congregational hymns were Precious Memories, How Great Thou Art, and The Old Rugged Cross.  

Casket bearers were Lee’s grandchildren and honorary casket bearers were her great-grandchildren.  Burial was in the Scranton Township Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Lee’s name and memorials may be sent to the funeral home or the church.  

Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton assisted the family with arrangements, 712-792-3561. Online condolences may be left for Lee’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.