Nancy Peterson

Nancy L. Peterson, age 86, of Chillicothe, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Nancy was born on September 1, 1935 in Peoria, IL to Floyd and Margaret (Oesterle) Estes.  She married LaVerne “Red” Peterson on August 15, 1953.  He preceded her in death in 1998.  Also preceding her in death are her parents.

Surviving are her children, Kathy (Charlie) Vonk, Kevin (Melody) Peterson and Kristy (D.J. Willis) Wolfe, all of Chillicothe; her grandchildren, Chuck (Katrin) Vonk, Chad (Kara) Vonk, Craig (Darci) Vonk, Calli (Jeremy) Conrad, Kevin Peterson, Jr., Storm (Jason) Bundren, Laci (Cody) Gorski, Blake (Lisa) Smith, Grace Smith, Jacob Peterson and Katie (Donovan) Benson; and 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way.  Also surviving are her sisters, Sandra and Karen Estes, both of Chillicothe.

Nancy was an amazing mother, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and we can’t forget, Golden Girl.  While Nancy’s family came first, she managed to extend her “family” to so many. If we listed the number of people who thought of her as “Mom” or “Grandma Nancy”, we would fill an entire page.  She was truly the epitome of love and compassion.  She was always more concerned about the needs of others than her own. Her support for her family was immeasurable, from sporting events to band concerts, to graduations and weddings, she was always there.  Facebook allowed her to be the #1 cheerleader for so many.  If you posted a picture or 100 pictures, she would like every single one, and always had a positive comment.  To know Nancy was to love her.  Nancy’s house was the place to be, and if you left hungry or thirsty, it was your own fault.  Many a drink was had around her kitchen table, where she would offer advice, lend an ear, play a game of euchre or pinochle, or just enjoy the laughter and conversation of her loved ones.  She spent 40+ years as a bartender at the Hub Ballroom in Edelstein, creating lifelong friendships.  The lessons she instilled in her children and grandchildren will be forever etched in their hearts and minds.  Everyone who met her considers themselves truly blessed.

A private family service will be held at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe with burial at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Edelstein.  Rev. Ron Martz will officiate. A celebration of life for Nancy is planned for Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 4 p.m. at “Top of the Hill Farm” at 21427 N Benedict Street, Chillicothe IL, 61523.  Lunch will be served.  Please plan to come and share your memories and celebrate the legacy she has left behind.  Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or to the Chillicothe Firefighter’s Association.  Online condolences may be made through www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com

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