Verna Ray “Mike” Peterson, 83, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on July 9th, 2019. She was born in Springfield, Arkansas on February 6th, 1936 to parents Sada Ray Butler and James Vernon Butler Sr. Mike was married to the love of her life: Joe B. Peterson on April 18th, 1967 and attended the Arkansas State School of Teaching. Mike had a career in the fashion industry as a buyer for several boutiques. She enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends at Waverly Heights Retirement Village and loved to dance, laugh, and play games. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and niece: Debra Butler, who are all celebrating her arrival in Heaven. Those left to cherish Mike’s memory are her three daughters: Becca Rutledge (Jim Travis), Cathy (Jim) Purvis, and Tammy (James) Ballew; five grandchildren: Kevin Leon Rutledge and Brandt, Brandon, Brentley, and Bryan Ballew; six great-grandchildren: Corbin, Sethjan, Brodie, Ryan, Hunter and Grant Ballew; two brothers: Jim (Sharon) Butler and Paul (Terri) Butler; and two nieces: Kimberly Re and Sarah Lewis.
