Betty Joanne (Willard) Peterson
Betty Joanne (Willard) Peterson, age 85, passed peacefully on February 7, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. Betty was surrounded by the loving Cornerstone staff and her daughter, Lori.
Betty was born on April 5, 1940. She lived most of her life in the Solway and Shevlin area, where she raised her family with her husband, Delano Peterson, who preceded her in death in 1989.
Betty is survived by her children: Lori (Scott Gammel), Roxanne (Rick Sigsworth), and Loren (Carole) Peterson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Corey (Taylor) Koebernick, Erin (Nolan) Martin, Jason Rossum Jr., Adrian (Madison) Peterson, Shane Peterson, Julian Peterson, Canaan Peterson. Great grandson August Martin. Bonus Grandchildren; Katrina (Brad Buchman) Miller, their Jakob and Kaiya; Donna Miller and her children Payton and Hayden.
Betty was born to Roy and Antoine Willard, who raised their family in the Solway and Shevlin community. She is survived by her siblings: Ken Willard (Judy, deceased 2022), Sharon Niemoth (Larry, deceased 2022), Becky (Larry) Sloma, Rodney Willard, Rachel (Richard) Drake, Bruce (Wanda) Willard, and Celia (Charly) Chappell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Antoine Willard; her brothers, Roy Wayne Willard and Lloyd Willard; and her sons, Terry Joe Peterson (1970) and Scott Allan Peterson (1989), nephew Benjamin Neimoth.
As a young mother, Betty was active at the Solway Log Chapel, where she fellowshipped and participated in the Thursday Mothers Group making quilts for missionaries. She and her daughters, Lori and Roxanne, enjoyed the Pioneer Girls program, while her sons Scott and Loren enjoyed Awana Program. Betty also enjoyed baking, sewing and gardening. During her years of retirement Betty enjoyed dining out, catching a movie and traveling.
In her later years, Betty made her home at Cornerstone Residence Senior Living in Bagley — a place especially meaningful to her, as she had previously worked there in the dining room and kitchen. She valued the loving community she found there both as an employee and resident and deeply appreciated the friendships and support she experienced. Her home at Cornerstone was filled with love, friendship, laughter and the best care.
Janey Larson of Shelvin was a long-time champion and friend to Betty. The time Janey spent with Betty was greatly appreciated and very meaningful.
A spring memorial service and burial of Betty’s ashes will be held at Solway Cemetery.