Zelpha Mae Peterson

Zelpha Mae Peterson was born on October 29, 1926 in Gould, Oklahoma to Samuel and Etta Enyart/Galbraith. The youngest of six children, she would go to complete her education up until the 10th grade, then spend her teenage years working as an usherette at a local movie theater. Zelpha was hardworking and persistent, and she eventually worked her way up to a managing position, carrying with her many colorful tales and encounters from that time in her life.

She had a way with numbers, which would equip her to be a successful bookkeeper at a chain of drug stores called Sav-On Drugs. That's where she met Jay Dell Peterson, a fellow employee and later, the love of her life. They married in 1949 and had three children: Terry, Sheila, and Cindy Peterson.

Zelpha had a generous, giving spirit, and joined a sorority of housewives dedicated to helping the community through fundraisers and other good works, called Kappa Phi Sigma. She eventually worked her way up to Regent President, serving from 1967 to 1968. Soon after, Zelpha was led to Christ by her best friend Lillian, accepting Jesus as her Lord and savior in 1970.

Upon retirement, Jay and Zelpha purchased a Pace Arrow motor home and enjoyed traveling around the United States, their favorites being the New England States. It was during this time that they discovered a unique hobby that they could work on together, called Eggery. The two became masters of their craft, working with real eggs and creating miniature houses, landscapes, and entire worlds inside them. After showing and selling their creations with great success, the two started up a business called The Good Egg, which, in turn, opened up a world of fellow creators and craftsman of this art form, which brought them great joy.

Zelpha and Jay were happily devoted to each other for 70 years, until Jay Peterson's passing on Christmas Day of 2019. Despite the loss, Zelpha remained strong and sharp, speeding through crosswords and number puzzles until she passed away at the age of 99 on January 22, 2026, both daughters at her side.

She was preceded in death by her oldest, Terry Peterson.

Remaining to keep her memory alive and thriving are her two daughters, Shelia Thurman of Rogers, Arkansas, Cindy and John Gates, of Fountain Valley, California, and daughter-in-law Kristi Rickert Peterson of Rogers, Arkansas. Joining them are Zelpha's grandchildren: Aaron Peterson and wife Hadassah from Santee, California, Sarah Peterson from Ramona, California, and Meagan Peterson from Warner Springs, California; Landon Thurman and wife Rachel, Derek Thurman and wife Stephanie and Ashton Thurman, from Rogers, Arkansas; Heather Equitz and husband Kevin from Spring Hill, Tennessee, and April Ahlo and husband Joey from Huntington Beach, California. Joining in remembrance are Zelpha's 16 great grandchildren: Bridget, Charli, Kaden, Easton, Parker, Baylee, Connor, Rachel, Isaiah, Hannah, Joseph, Daniel, Hosea, Rebekah, Joy, and Hope.