Marcia Peterson

Marcia Ruth Pace Peterson passed away on March 29, 2014, at her home in Pima, surrounded by her family. Marcia was born on December 15, 1932 in Miami, Arizona, the fourth child and second daughter of Hyrum Martin and Melba Duke Pace. She grew up on the Pace family farm in Virden, New Mexico and attended Virden Public Schools. In March 1953, she married Norman Bruce Peterson and after short periods living in St. David, Safford and Tempe, they moved to Pima where they purchased their first and only home in March 1959. Marcia enjoyed her work as a wife and mother, and once the youngest of her four children was in school, she took a job at Pima Elementary School, working in the Cafeteria and then with Kindergarten and special needs children. She took a similar position at Bonita Elementary School in 1988 where she worked until she retired in 1995. Marcia was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous capacities including Primary President, Relief Society President and for many years as music chorister and choir director. Marcia and Norman both loved music and would sing together at weddings, funerals and other special occasions. They taught their children to sing and would perform as a family. The most favorable family events included music around a camp fire or the annual Christmas Caroling to various family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman, grandson Jason Oesterling, and parents Hyrum & Melba Pace, her brother Tom Pace and sister Lorna Pace Mortenson. Marcia is survived by her four children: Gail (Pam) of Pima; Clifton (Darla) of Soldotna, Alaska; Terrell (Kathy) of Eagle Mountain, Utah; and Connie of Phoenix; her sister Alice Boyle and brothers Gerald and Kent. Marcia and Norman had 13 grandchildren and 27 great Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Pima LDS Chapel. Viewing will be on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 6-8 pm at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel, and Friday one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Bryce Cemetery. The family expresses gratitude to Lynette Smith of MGRMC Hospice for the loving care she provided.