Louella Peterson

Louella Edna Peterson was born in Ridge, Mont., and moved to Newcastle, Wyo., where she graduated high school in 1963.
After high school she attend business college in Rapid City, S.D.
While she was at a dance in the Spencer Hall she met Ervin Peterson. Ervin fell for her because she was as country as him. On Oct. 18, 1967, Lou and Ervin married in Newcastle. The couple had three children— Gary, Brett and Chad.
The family settled in Hill City, S.D., in 1976. Ervin and Lou built their house from the ground up. Many additions were added as more people were welcomed into the family.
Lou was a caring, very understanding person. She was the reason the Peterson family grew over the years, as she took in anyone who needed help. Her home was always open. Lou was always quick to correct a wrongdoing, but she was also the person you could trust to be there to talk to when you needed her.
Lou loved animals. They had many cats and dogs throughout the years, but she especially loved horses. She loved spending quality time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.
Lou passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2023, at her home in Hill City surrounded by family and friends.
Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lila Ferguson; brother, Edward Ferguson; and sisters, Ethel Morgan and Mary Simmons.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 55 years, Ervin Peterson; sons, Gary (Kim) Peterson, Brett (Alysia) Peterson and Chad (Heather) Peterson; sisters, Blanch Cox and Cora Miller; brother, George “Cap” (Judy) Ferguson; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and the many new family members she acquired along the way.
Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at Kirk Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home.