Mary M. Petersen

Oct. 3, 1939 Oct. 18, 2009 Turner, Oregon Mary M. Petersen, 70, of Turner passed away Sunday at her home after a long battle with ALS. Mary was born to James and Nellie Rushing in Bennington, Okla. She was the eldest of 10 children. She grew up in Bakersfield, Calif., and graduated from Arvin High School. She obtained her real estate license from Merritt Davis College of Business in 1982. Mary had five children. Marrying the love of her life, Dale B. Petersen, on Nov. 19, 1970, they raised their family in rural Marion County. Together they raised their children in a loving home. They worked their farm and ran their garbage collection business (Pacific Sanitation). They also owned two grocery stores, Tip Top and Turner Market. They were a hard-working couple, but always had time for family and friends. Mary loved her flowers and her gardens. She loved spending time with her children, and in later years, her 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her. Mary had a smile that would warm your heart, and laughter that was contagious. There was no way to be sad in her presence. Mary will be dearly missed by all the people she touched in her life. She is survived by her husband, Dale Petersen; daughters Teresa and husband Eric Larson of Albany, Angela Peschel of Stayton, and Shelli and husband Leo Haight of Missouri; son Michael and wife Kim Petersen of Salem; father James Rushing of Jefferson; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings Barbara Simpson, Carolyn Martin, Diane Jones, and Charles and Billy Rushing. She was preceded in death by her son Edward Petersen; mother Nellie Rushing; and siblings Curtis, Donald, Deloris and Lloyd Rushing. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, Oregon.