Shirley Turtle Mae Peterson, 53

Shirley Turtle Mae Peterson, 53, of Marion, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell of natural causes. Shirley was born May 28, 1957, to Darlene (Sindt) and Richard Peterson in Great Falls. It was there she grew up, worked and began to raise her own family. Shirley eventually moved to the Flathead Valley because of her love for the outdoors. Shirley enjoyed painting ceramics, especially of Native American culture. She also loved turtles, hence her nickname. She cherished her family and was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by those left behind. Shirley is survived by her partner, Jim Watson of Marion; her children, Byron Jae Peterson of Kalispell, Christy Ann Wasson of Lebanon, Mo., Gerald Bud and Jennifer Wasson of Great Falls, and Nicole Wasson of Gypsum, Colo.; sisters, Donna Lee Vandeman of Washington, and Rebecca Hughes of Great Falls; brothers, Ricky Peterson of Texas, and Brian Peterson of Cascade; six grandchildren; and lifelong friend, Gerald Wasson Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dale Peterson. A memorial service was held Monday, Sept. 6, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shirley Peterson Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, care of Emily Nadeau.