The celebration of life for Carol L. Peterson will be Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 am at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City. Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery, Valley City. She died Monday, October 21.
Carol Watson was born at home in Pillsbury, ND on December 24, 1927. The Watsons lived in many area small towns where her father was employed. They moved to Valley City when Carol was in 8th grade. She graduated from Valley City High School in 1945 and Valley City State College in 1950. Carol married her high school sweetheart Ty Peterson in 1950. She was a part time instructor at Valley City State College and later at Fingal Public School while raising three kids. Carol also worked with Ty at Oliver’s Chapel when needed.
Building community was important to Carol. She co-founded Community Theater. Carol helped establish the V-500 foundation and she and Ty were the first contributors. Carol started the girls track team at Valley City High School. Carol’s Comments was the name of the weekly column she wrote for the Times Record. Exploits of son Lance were often reported with the news of the community. She served many years on the Valley City Parks and Recreation Board making sure girls had sports opportunities. United Methodist Women brought out Carol’s passion for promoting rights of women and children. She was President of the ND Conference and Dean of School of Christian Mission. With her daughter, Mary Lee, Carol attended many UMW Assemblies across the nation.
Carol enjoyed family time at Lake Melissa when her kids were growing up. With her grandsons she and Ty reveled going to their cabin at Lake Ashtabula. Her three grandsons were her delight. She and Ty taught them Pinochle and Cribbage and the boys adored baking cookies with her. Carol loved going to Watson Cousin Reunions, road trips with siblings and bus excursions with Ty.
Carol and Ty entered the Sheyenne Care Center (now St. Raphael) together in 2018. She lovingly watched over Ty until his death in 2020. Carol peacefully passed under the tender care of the third floor staff. The family appreciates the thoughtfulness and professionalism of the St. Raphael staff.
She is survived by her daughter Mary Lee (Steve) Nielson and son Lance Peterson (Tammy), her grandsons; Peter Nielson, Matthew (Annette) Nielson and Mark (Cathy) Nielson and her great grandchildren; Kailee, Skye, Lane, Anika and Lily. She was preceded in death by her husband Ty and son Alex.
The family asks that memorials be directed to the Alex Peterson Scholarship at Valley City State University.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com