Opal Jean Peterson, "Jean" 84 years young, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Garden Hills Assisted Living, Spearfish, SD.

Jean was born October 12, 1934 in Bell City, MO to Earl and Gwendolyn (Graham) Cockrum.  She was welcomed by two brothers, Bill and Don.  She grew up in Missouri, Iowa and North Dakota. She began her working career as a CNA at the Old Soldiers Home in Lisbon, ND.  She would tell you that her first attempt at cooking mashed potatoes were jokingly referred to as dumplings by the Veterans there.

While attending a dance at Nome she met Calvin Peterson.  They were married May 9, 1952 and began their life together.  A short year later, they were blessed with a daughter, Regena Kay.

The family moved to Lemmon SD in April of 1962.  They were once again blessed with the birth of a son, Jeffrey Lynn on June 22, 1962.

Jean's family was her greatest pride and joy.  She loved baking, entertaining her family and friends, and celebrating the holidays.  She enjoyed dancing, taking walks, traveling, camping with family, and tending to her flower gardens.  She loved her cats.

Jean was a member of Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church, and she volunteered for other organizations, including the Boss Cowman Rodeo.  She was affectionately known as Lemmon's Avon lady for several years before working at Ed's Toggery. She then purchased the Country Kitten Hallmark Card and Gift Shop.

Jean moved to Sturgis to be near Jeff and his family, and enjoyed her retirement until her health began to fail.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Regena Peterson, (Mark Johnson), Helena, MT; her son, Jeff (Roxy) Peterson, Sturgis, SD; five grandchildren, Brandon Peterson, Eric Peterson, Jason Evans (Cheryl), Brenda Evans, (Crystal), Brandy Rodriguez, and 13 great grandchildren.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Cal, and brothers, Donald (June) and William (Milly) Cockrum.

The family extends their appreciation to the caring and compassionate staff at Garden Hills Assisted Living, and a special that you to Meaghan with Hospice for her help and guidance.

The Memorial Service for Jean Peterson, age 84 of Spearfish, formerly of Lemmon, SD will be held at 2:00PM Monday, July 29, 2019 at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon with Pastor Barbara West, officiating.

Cremation has taken place and burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery at Lemmon.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.