Dorothea Lenore Peterson

SUN CITY, Ariz. - Dorothea Lenore Peterson, 103, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Banner hospital, in Sun City.

Dottie was born to Sam and Louise (Turner) Graham on Aug. 12, 1916, in Hutchinson, Kansas. At a very young age, she and her parents moved to Ironwood, Michigan. In 1922, Sam, Louise and their two children, Dottie and Joseph, resettled in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. They returned to Ironwood in 1931. Dottie graduated from Luther L Wright High School.

Dottie married Raymond E. Peterson, on May 28, 1938. They were married for 61 wonderful years until Ray's passing in 1999. Early in their marriage, they adopted Ray's nieces, Joanne and Corrine Peterson. They had three sons, Donald, Graham "Skip," and Gregg. Dottie and Ray made their home in Ironwood until 1973 when they decided to leave the cold and snow behind and move to Sun City. Arizona has been her home for 47 years, while spending many summers visiting family and friends in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; brother, Joseph; and daughter, Corrine. She is survived by her daughter, Joanne Johnson, of Tempe; sons Donald (Lynn), of Denver, Skip (Geri), Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Gregg (Sally), Menasha, Wisconsin. God blessed Dottie with 15 amazing grandchildren, 19 precious great-grandchildren, and one dear great-great-grandchild. Her sister-in-law, Marge Graham, of Grand Junction, Colorado, also survives.

Dottie will be remembered for her caring heart and her deep love for her family. She loved to play cards, entertain friends, and bake cookies. Dottie enjoyed a wide circle of friends, including the second and third generation of her dearest friends. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Due to the COVID virus, there will be no memorial service at this time. The family is planning a private celebration of her life next summer.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Ventana Winds Assisted Living, 12322 N. 113th Ave., Youngtown, AZ 85363.