PETERSON, Shirlene

Meldrum Mortuary & Crematory, Mesa, Arizona Shirlene Pulsipher Peterson July 19, 1941 ~ November 20, 2013 Shirlene Pulsipher Peterson, born July 19, 1941 to Kenneth & Ila Pulsipher – died peacefully November 20, 2013 in Mesa Arizona. She is survived by her husband, Edward William Peterson, of 49 years (married April 16, 1964), one son, five daughters, and 17 grandchildren (family names listed below). As we sat and reminisced about mom's life words like charitable, compassionate, friendly, and accepting came out of each of our mouths. Mom was always finding ways to serve those around her, her children feel we learned our nature of service from mom. If a stranger needed a helping hand we would not hesitate to give it because we had Her great example to live up to. It has often been said that mom was serving a mission in her nursing home community. Often many of the residents there would not have friends or family visit them as regularly as mom had visitors. She knew their names, knew things about them, about their families, was quick to smile and say hi no matter what she was doing. She brought light and cheer to all those around her even through all the things she had to deal with physically, she always had a good attitude. Dad mentioned that in her younger days mom would often go and visit the older single sisters in the ward, bringing them cheer when they had none. When mom was released as the stake cannery specialist a few years ago, the stake president said that she served in one calling longer than anyone else in the stake. She took every calling she was given and excelled at it. It was mentioned that among other callings she was the primary president, relief society counselor, visiting teacher, visiting teaching supervisor (even while in her nursing home), ward librarian, stake canning specialist, nursery organizer, and as dad puts it the best home teaching companion that he's ever had. Mom loves the smell of peppermint, she usually used the essential oil, but it wouldn't be uncommon to smell peppermint in her presence, even so much as to give dad a headache at times. Mom always made neighbors and friends feel invited and welcome in our home and in her presence, even some "honorary kids" lived with us at times. All of us girls remembered that mom was at our 5th grade science camp as one of the "nurses", she didn't have a degree in nursing but she often nursed us back to health. Even though dad was the one that served on the PTO, it was mom that we remember spear-heading many school events, most memorable was the Santa's workshop at Adams Elementary school. A few weeks before Christmas, kids and adults could go into a room that was set up as a mini store and buy little trinkets and goodies for Christmas gifts. Mom truly enjoyed organizing & running this workshop. Several of us kids would enjoy helping her there, as well. Heather remembers going with mom to Adams, while mom worked in the preschool. Mom also dressed up several times, as a clown for the Halloween carnival at Adams. After we were grown, she didn't like to be involved in Halloween but always asked for our children to come by in their costumes & she would have a treat for them. Mom graduated from Beauty College and worked in a salon in downtown Mesa before she met and married dad. The name of the salon was the Pink Poodle on Horne and Main Street. She saved the family tons of money, by cutting and perming her children's hair growing up. Katrinna remembers mom making homemade pizza & homemade ice cream at one of her birthday parties. Mom's homemade pizza was the best!! We would stock the freezer with cookie sheets & pie tins full of pizza, because it was that good. Bridgette remembers being by mom's side as she baked, which gave her the love of cooking and the ability to make yummy dishes, especially baked goods. We all remember cooking & baking with mom, Jam, Rolls, Bread, Pizza, Enchilada and much more. Mom was an excellent seamstress; which her daughter Rachelle inherited from her. Mom often made our clothes as kids and always made her own dresses and many quilts. Even with her failing eyesight, she would help others in the nursing home, hem or repair their clothes or even make things for them. Terry remembers sitting on her lap, as a young boy, as she sewed & Heather remembers mom trying to teach her to sew. MarQuette said she always enjoyed sitting on moms lap & snuggling, even into her twenty's. Her girls remember, gathering on her bed for deep, fun, moving and sometimes just silly conversations. She always welcomed us into her room, to talk about anything. We remember her always wanting nice church music playing in the mornings, to start our days out in a peaceful manner. Another love of mom's was camping, and she made it a tradition to take her family to her Heap Reunion at Green's Peak in the White Mountains of Arizona, every year at the end of summer before school started. Great memories were made while camping. Mom was always willing & loved to help each of us when our babies were born. A big thing that mom is known for is her belief and knowledge of and in the spirit, she thought of getting a priesthood blessing before she would think to visit a doctor or take medicine. In spite of her many physical challenges mom did many amazing things. She had a positive attitude in everything she did. Mom was well loved by all that knew her and will be greatly missed, but we will all be reunited in Heaven! We Love you Mom!!