Shirley Irene Peters

Shirley Irene Peters, 84, of rural Newton died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, at Fore Seasons in rural Newton. The Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Courthouse Lighting Fund may be left at Fore Seasons.

Shirley, the daughter of Emerson and Vera (Carter) Morgan, was born Feb. 5, 1929, in Swan. She was a lifelong resident of Jasper County. Shirley graduated from Newton High School and attended normal school in Indianola to receive her teaching degree. She taught rural school for three years.

Shirley was united in marriage with Francis Peters on Jan. 25, 1951, in Newton. She worked as a nurse’s aide at Skiff Medical Center for many years and later was a farmer for 15 years. Shirley was a trustee for Palo Alto Cemetery and a 4-H leader. She loved animals, gardening, reading and learning. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family.

Those left to honor Shirley’s memory are her children, Lynne “Winky” (Michael) Whelan of Ellensburg, Wash., Carolyn “DeDe” (Dan) Rudkin of Melbourne, Barbara Peters of Newton, Karl “Buddy” Peters of Monroe, Bob (Lisa) Peters of Newton and Bill (Kristi) Peters of Newton; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Louise Mills of Baxter.