Elaine Martha Peterson

Elaine Martha (Kunert) Peterson was born in Galveston, Texas on November 8, 1924, the daughter of Ernest and Martha (Graf) Kunert. She met the love of her life, Delmar Peterson, while he was stationed at Fort Crockett, Galveston in 1950. They were married in Colorado Springs, Colorado on September 8, 1950 and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 26, 1957. Elaine and Delmar lived in numerous states during their marriage and moved to Nacogdoches, Texas in August, 1969 and lived there until Delmar’s death on October 13, 1987. After Delmar’s death, Elaine continued to live in Nacogdoches until 2008 when she moved to McKinney, Texas where she lived with her daughter Robin. In 2009 she moved to Spring, Texas and lived with her daughter Laurie until her death.

Elaine was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served throughout her years in many callings such as President of the Relief Society (women’s organization), teaching children in Primary and in the Young Women’s organization. She served as the Stake Young Women’s President when the family lived in Burns, Oregon. Her service entailed considerable travel throughout eastern Oregon where she taught the area youth family values including faith, charity, integrity, and love. She genuinely loved to serve others and did so without asking what needed to be done. She just stepped in and did what she saw was needed. Elaine was an Avon Representative in Nacogdoches for several years and loved to visit with her many friends and customers. She was also a dedicated and caring employee until her retirement at Burns, Morris and Stewart. She was a breast cancer survivor and volunteer in the Breast Cancer Society in Nacogdoches for many years. Elaine was a loving wife and devoted, caring mother. She touched the hearts of her family as she taught them how to live with love, strength and spirit. Her German heritage gave her an added strength that helped her endure the many health and other challenges she faced throughout her lifetime. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was a living example of her love to serve others. She touched many lives with her gentle touch, caring heart and sweet kisses.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include four daughters, Diane Loren of The Woodlands, Texas; Laurie Powell of Spring, Texas; Robin Byrd of Spring, Texas; Leslie Jackson of Easton, Maryland and their husbands, Charles Powell, Tommy Byrd, and Tom Jackson. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and families; Jason and Beth Powell & family, Kevin and Vana Powell & family, David and Emily Powell & family, Erik Loren, Joseph Loren, Ashley and Doug Hermann, Colin and Emily Byrd, Steven Byrd, Christopher Byrd, Christian Jackson, Lucas Jackson, Jefferson Jackson, Alexandra Jackson and 12 great-grandchildren; Benjamin Powell, Katelyn Powell, Johanna Powell, Cameron Rose, Mia Powell, Finley Powell, Quinn Powell, Colton Powell, Addy Powell, Callie Powell, Ian Powell, and Daisy Powell.

Elaine died in Spring, Texas on July 16, 2014 at the age of 89. There will be a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park cemetery on Monday July 21, 2014 at 1:30 PM.