Sharon L. Petersma

Sharon L. Petersma of Elizabethtown, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the age of 93. While she spent most of her adult life in Newton, IA, Sharon was born in Ames, IA, the oldest child of Hermon “Dutch” and Lyal (Reade) Arrasmith. In her youth she was an active Rainbow Girl and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In August of 1944 at the age of 14, she was stricken with Polio and spent many months in the Sister Kenny Cottage at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Her later recuperation was at home in a hospital bed, finishing 9th grade via a radiotelephone speaker in classrooms. She always said she felt very popular because everyone wanted to “carry me (the radio speaker) from class to class.” Sharon recovered from polio only to unexpectedly lose her father at age 15.

Following her Ames High School graduation in 1948, Sharon attended Iowa State University where she studied Institution Management and Dietetics. She graduated with Honors and Distinction in 1952 and was an active member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, which led to many enduring friendships. Following graduation, she served her dietitian internship at the Veterans’ Hospital in Los Angeles, CA.

Returning to Ames from California in the summer of 1953, Sharon met her future husband Delmar Petersma from Pella, IA, where he was an ISU student boarding at her mother’s home. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in September of 1954. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Vicki and Jay, and a daughter Laurie, who unfortunately was stillborn.

While their married life began in Iowa City, Sharon and Del eventually settled in Newton, IA where Del was employed by the Maytag company until his retirement. Sharon worked as a Registered Dietitian at the Pella Hospital for over 20 years, where she took pride in planning nutritious meals for patients using fresh local produce, mostly from her father-in law’s garden, and making homestyle food.

Sharon enjoyed cooking, playing bridge (becoming a founding member of two bridge clubs that played together for nearly 50 years!), and roller skating (first in college and then around the kitchen table with her grandchildren)—but it was her love of music and dancing that brought her the most joy. She and Delmar square danced regularly for many years.

Sharon and Del were founding patrons of the Newton Community Theater since 1962 and active members of the First Lutheran Church where Sharon participated in several activities including the Dorcas quilting group, the Lois bible study, she sang in the Church Choir, and she was part of the financial counting group. She was a woman of strong faith and continued supporting the church throughout her life, even watching virtual services after moving to Pennsylvania.

In their retired years, Sharon and Del traveled to several countries, went on cruises, and toured extensively. When Del passed in 2011, Sharon continued to live in their home in Newton, IA until March of 2022 when she moved to the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA to be close to her daughter. From that time until her passing, she was able to spend considerable time with her daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, and her brother’s children in the area. The family is grateful to have been able to have this very special time together in her last years.

Sharon was very proud of her children and grandchildren, often sharing their many accomplishments with her friends. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Greg) Hill, Mount Joy, PA; her son, Jay (Janet) Petersma, formerly Johnston, IA and now Melissa, TX, and five granddaughters: Kristin Hill, Boston, MA, Danielle Hill, Lancaster, PA, Amanda Hill, San Jose, CA. Mallory Hill, Maytown, PA, and Bailey (Neil) Hicks, McKinney, TX; a brother-in-law, Melvin (Janice) Petersma, Pella, IA and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmar, parents Hermon and Lyal (Reade) Arrasmith, brother Daniel (Joyce) Arrasmith, sister-in-law Betty (Marvin) Vander Werff, and sister-in-law Joyce (Doyle) Lammey.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon is planned in Pennsylvania for Sharon’s local friends and family. A memorial service will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Newton, IA in the summer, with internment of cremains at the Union Cemetery, also in Newton. Memorials can be made in Sharon’s memory to the First Lutheran Church, 309 E 3rd St. N, Newton, IA 50208.