Arlene Janice Peterson was born on January 20, 1938 in White Sulfur Springs, Montana to Frederick and Esther Schneider. She was raised with her brothers Louis (Butch) and Frederick Schneider, Jr and sister Suzanne in Townsend, Montana. Jan had a love of learning early on and was always a good student. She graduated Townsend High School in 1956 with honors. She received a scholarship to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 1960.
Upon graduation, Jan moved to Hayward, California and taught in the Unified School District there from 1961 through 1994 when she retired and moved back to Montana. Jan was able to retain her love for teaching throughout her career and always sought out new information and technologies about how to reach young minds. She utilized computers in the classroom before other teachers even considered doing it. Jan taught first grade for most of her career and she enjoyed that very much. Her love for children was undeniable. Jan met her future husband, Henry L. Peterson in 1960 in California. They were married on December 17, 1961 in Reno, Nevada. They had one daughter Gretchen Julie Peterson who passed away in 2000. She and Henry were married almost 38 years when he passed away on November 25, 1999.
Jan was always civic-minded. In the late 1950’s, she was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and became a lieutenant. She was only the second woman to pass the proficiency test in Montana at that time. She represented Montana at the Civil Air Patrol Congressional Dinner in Washington DC in this capacity. She was also very involved with the United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star and retired teacher organizations.
On a personal side, Jan was very personable and thought of others first. She always decorated her house to reflect the current season. Throughout her life she made donations of money and time to a variety of different humanitarian efforts. She loved to have pictures of family and friends all over her house and she was known for sending greeting cards for all types of occasions. Jan was very kind. The last years of her life were spent at the Masonic Home of Montana in Helena where she had many friends and was greatly enjoyed and appreciated. She will be missed immensely.
Jan is survived by her younger sister Suzanne Williams (husband John) of Newport, Washington; niece Amanda Williams and children Alex and Sierra of Spokane, Washington; nephew Ron Schneider and his children Quincy and Seth of Helena, Montana (niece Jamey Ereth of Helena, Montana). She was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Esther, husband Henry Peterson, daughter Gretchen Julie Peterson Darrington and brothers Louis (Butch) and Frederick Schneider, Jr.
Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 28, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of Life
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Masonic Home
2010 Masonic Home Road
Helenea, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 28, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of Life
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Masonic Home
2010 Masonic Home Road
Helenea, Montana 59602
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Carole Plymale says
I met Jan when she came to help in our first grade classrooms. It was here that her love for little children was so evident. She knew just how to help and was so encouraging to those little people.
We traveled together to our Alpha Chapter /Delta Kappa Gamma, a retired teachers organization, meetings. I enjoyed her telling of her life’s travels during those rides.
I believe she is at peace, no pain or longing.
With love, Carole
Laurie Nugent says
Jan was a true teacher throughout her life. I’m very grateful for the hours she spent volunteering in my classroom in Townsend after her retirement. She was always bringing me art project ideas and cute craft items she had made. Blessings to Jan’s family.
Kay Voeks says
Jan was an outstanding teacher in the Hayward Unified School District in Hayward, Ca. I worked with her for many years. Past students have many memories of how important she was in their lives. She was also a very close personal friend to me for so many years…Thank you dear friend for your friendship..
Student says
I remember Mrs. Voeks was also my kindergarten teacher and I see she commented here.
Mrs. Peterson was my first and second grade teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Hayward, California. Her classroom was always fun. She was creative and would have us play games that we could learn from. Mrs. Peterson taught me how to read and write, and do math. I’m sure there are many others who will always remember her. She’s one of those teachers who truly loved her students. Rest in peace, Mrs. Peterson.