Rebecca Peterson

Rebecca (Becky) Turley Peterson, 87, of Aurora, IL went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 6th, 2020.  Becky was born and raised in Central City, Kentucky in 1933.  She was the youngest of 12 children born to Jadie and Ada Turley, all of whom have preceded her in death.

Becky married Robert L. Peterson, Sr. in December 1952 and moved north to Duluth, Minnesota where Bob’s family resided.  Bob and Becky settled into life in the North and had two children.  She made many dear friends and loved everything about Duluth – except for the winters! 

The family transferred to LaCrescent, Minnesota where Becky quickly made very dear and lasting relationships with neighbors, friends and became “second mom” to many of the teenagers that she loved spending time with on one of her favorite happy places, “the breezeway”. 

As difficult as it was to leave LaCrescent, the move was made to the Quad Cities, Illinois.  This meant a life on the Mississippi River which could be very difficult at times, but she cherished the river life.  Again, she was quick to make lifelong friends and “adopted” yet another extended family of teenagers that to this day she has kept in touch with and loved every one of them.

Becky loved to entertain and spend time laughing and reminiscing with the people she loved.  She didn’t miss a family reunion!  She loved to travel and would often be found “on the road again” with her favorite companion Beau Jack (Bo) and one, or all, of her grandchildren or in earlier years, her faithful traveling companion Bethene. 

After Bob passed away in 2008 Becky moved to Aurora, IL to be closer to her family.  She enjoyed having her little apartment and she and “Bo” cherished the “gatherings” in her backyard where dear neighbors would sit and spend long, beautiful afternoons.   

Becky will always be remembered for her quick wit, determination, generosity and unending love for others.  She did not miss wishing happy birthdays or acknowledging special events in the lives of those she cherished.  She kept in touch with so many friends and family members over the years and was thrilled to get a call and reconnect whenever possible. 

She will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind including:  daughter Cheryl (Tom) Houston, son Robert Peterson, Jr., grandchildren; Carly (James) Noe, Kyle (Kim) Houston, Tara Peterson, Nick (Holly) Peterson, Megan Peterson, Hannah (Tom) Naegele and Dennis Peterson as well as 13 great grandchildren, all of her many nieces and nephews. 

A very special thank you to her faithful, loving, best friend and earth angel, Monse, her caregiver God sent to watch over her.

Due to covid restrictions, services will not be held at this time.  She will be returned to her “Old Kentucky Home” to be with her family that she missed so much, where her heart remained all these years, and where she can continue to cheer on her Kentucky Wildcats!  A family graveside memorial service will be held at that time.

In lieu of flowers, an account is set up at Northstar Credit Union to be donated to Becky’s favorite charities.  Please send contributions to Northstar Credit Union, 403 Asbury Drive, Aurora IL 60502.  Make checks to Cheryl Houston (5288), enter the following in the memo field: Rebecca Peterson Memorial Fund.