CLINTON — Rhea Ida (Nelson) Peterson, 90, of Clinton, passed peacefully away on the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Liberty Village of Clinton.

Services will be conducted at a later time. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed the Rhea Ida Peterson memorial fund.

Rhea was born on June 1, 1929, in rural Wapella, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Ida Minerva (Kesecker) Nelson. She married Paul “Bearpaw” Peterson February 13, 1948, in Monticello. Paul passed away on July 1992.

Survivors include her son, Patrick Peterson, Clinton; daughter, Kelly Garcia, Jourdanton, Texas; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and four step-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Michael “Butch” Peterson, an infant daughter, and grandson, William Shane Peterson; three sisters, Bonnie Breeze, Aretta Thoms, and Iona Thoms; and five brothers, Sammy Nelson, Lyle Nelson, Gerald Nelson, Wayne Nelson, and Milford Nelson. 

She also had an extended family through the Pow Wows she attended with Bearpaw and was called Mom and Grandma by many who loved her.

She attended The First Christian Church, Clinton. She worked and retired from Charles Todd Uniform. Rhea continued to work part time at Modern Cleaners after retirement. 

Rhea enjoyed camping and the outdoors, traveling to pow wows with her family and loved listening to country music. her favorite being Alan Jackson.  

Preparing meals for her family and friends was one of her greatest joys, and she was particularly famous for her homemade noodles. Rhea “The Navigator” led a life of many adventures, always ready and willing to pursue the next one! Her greatest adventure has just begun in the reuniting with those gone on before her.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com