Ethel "Irene" Peters

Ethel "Irene" Peters, 85, of New Berlin, died at 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at St. John's Hospice. Irene was born October 23, 1930 in rural Pleasant Plains on a farm; the daughter of Floyd and Lurena Phipps Lewis. She married Thomas E. Peters on May 31, 1975 at Central Baptist Church in Springfield. Irene graduated from New Berlin High School in 1948 and was devoted to the care of her parents for a number of years. Throughout her life, she worked for several different companies, including, Chapman Propane, Zude Insurance Agency, Pleasant Plains State Bank, and Paul Presney Lincoln Land Title Company. She was most recently employed as a Payroll Clerk for the Illinois State Board of Education until her retirement after 24 years of service. Irene was a member of the Union Cemetery Board, New Berlin Women's Club, and First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school. She later joined Central Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Chancel Choir. She was a good seamstress and cook. She also enjoyed crafts, quilt-making, and canning, and gardening. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Elmer, Roy, Leonard, Paul, and Floyd Lewis. She is survived by her husband, Thomas E. Peters of New Berlin and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Josh Sabo, Rev. Mary Ellen Sharp, and Rev. Kevin Laughery officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Berlin. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769, the Central Baptist Church of Springfield, 501 S. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62701, or charity of the donor's choice.