Obituary of Marybeth Peterson

Marybeth Anne Peterson, 75, of Lindsborg, passed away November 24, 2010. Marybeth was born May 4, 1935, in Loveland, Colorado, the daughter of Rev. Oscar A. and Ione (Esping) Peterson. Growing up, years were spent at Loveland, Wichita, KS, Ortonville, MN, and Cokato, MN, where Pastor Peterson served Lutheran congregations. In 1938, Marybeth moved to Wichita where her father became the organizing and first minister of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. She graduated from Bethany College, Lindsborg, in 1957, and also received a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver in 1972. Her working years within the Lutheran Church were spent in congregations in Ottumwa, IA, Hastings, MN, and Denver, CO. She served on the staff of the Commission on Youth Ministry of the Lutheran Church in America, Philadelphia, and on the staff of Lutheran Social Services, Denver. For 23 years, she was an assistant to bishops in the Minnesota Synod, LCA, and Nebraska Synod., ECLA. In 1999, Marybeth was presented the Alumni Award of Merit from Bethany College. She retired in August of 2000, and moved to Lindsborg. Since returning to Lindsborg, she sang in the Messiah Chorus for several years. Marybeth is survived by numerous cousins and their families. Area cousins include CeCelia and husband Rodney Anderson of Salina, Earl and wife Mabel Esping of McPherson, and Ebba Nelson of Leonardville, KS. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg. Inurnment will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Fremont Lutheran Church Cemetery, Fremont, KS. Memorials may be designated to Bethany Lutheran Church or Bethany College in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington P.O. Box 386 Lindsborg, KS 67456. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, at Bethany Home Activities Center 321 N. Chestnut St. Lindsborg, KS. Online condolences at www.christiansfuneralhome.com