POLO – Our mother, Irene E. Peterson, of Polo, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Mother was born on March 3, 1923 in Polo, the daughter of Grant and Bessie (Wolfe) Riggs. Per mother's request there will be no service and her burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
Mom married our father, Kenneth Smith, Sr., March 1, 1941, and spent many years in Breeds (Canton), Ill. On Jan. 22, 1955, she married Russell Peterson and they spent 50 happy years together; he died on July 10, 2005.
"Nan (Irene), grandma loved her husband Russell and her family dearly. She enjoyed family outings, especially Sunday afternoon dinners, and preparing delicious home cooked meals. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a heartfelt embrace. When you spent time with Nan, you always felt welcomed, special and loved. Nan will always be remembered for her generosity and her devotion and love for her family and friends," Grandson Michael Smith.
Mother was a member of the Open Bible Church and enjoyed many friends at the church.
Mother is survived by her, son, Kenneth "Sonnie" and Laurel Smith of Oregon; grandson, Michael (Sharon) Smith and great grandchildren Carly and William of Sycamore; grandson, Timothy (Janelle) Smith, great grandchildren, Sydney, Ryan and Gracyn of Byron; daughter, Karen (Bowen) Fetterman; grandson Yancy (Sheila) Webster and great grandson Cayden of Polo, Doug (Tina) Dobbs, Rockton, great grandchild Brittany (Ryan) Richardson, great great grandchildren Luke and Sophie of South Beloit, Chandler Dobbs of Iowa, grandson, Dustin (Gwenn) Bowen of Chicago, granddaughter, Jaime (Chris Thompson) Bowen of Dixon, great grandchildren, Jonathan Heath of Polo, Jonah Heath, Jakob Helfrich and Madelyn Thompson of Dixon, great grandson, Dylan (Suzy) Bowen, great grandchildren, Marlee and Cooper of Sterling; daughter Kathy, (Robert) Mitchell, granddaughter Ashley (Curt) Nelson, great grandson Spencer of Polo.
Mom is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jackie Smith, Tom (Arlene) Riggs of Ariz., Mary Lou Schwebke and Jeff Riggs of Fla., John Peterson, David (Kerrie) Peterson, Bobbi Jo (Tom) Remmer, Billie Jo (Dennis) Quaco, and Phillip (Kris) Peterson.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Peterson, her parents, sister, Margaret (Harry) Lambert, brother, Grant (Neva) Riggs, infant son, Grant, granddaughter, Trudi Bowen, and great granddaughter, Makenna Webster.
A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo, with Pastor Luke Schier, officiating. Burial of cremated remains followed the graveside service. Cremation rites have been accorded
Memorials may be directed to Open Bible Church in Polo or Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.
