Betty Darline Peterson passed away at Brewster Place in Topeka, KS, July 19, 2022, at the age of 93. She was born on August 22, 1928 at Independence, KS. Her parents, Warren and Cleo Bell and her brother, Lloyd are also deceased. Surviving family members include her nephew, Michael Bell of Garland, Texas, one stepdaughter, Karen Jaquith Voth of Fort Collins, CO and two stepsons, Charles A. Peterson and Philip B. Peterson of Edmond and Norman, Oklahoma respectively. Surviving grandchildren include Michael Voth, Carolyn Voth Chisholm, Claire Peterson Gerrish, Alan Peterson, Samantha Peterson Low, Marc Peterson, Autumn Peterson Detrick, and Timothy Peterson.
Darline grew up in Kansas City, KS and started working for Southwestern Bell at the age of 16 shortly after her high school graduation. She went on to hold many supervisory and administrative positions for the company eventually transferring to Topeka in 1951. Her father also worked for SW Bell and instilled in her a strong work ethic. Darline never had one sick day in her 40 years of service with the company.
Darline married Terry Austin Jaquith the summer of 1969. Terry had two children, Steven Lee Jaquith, deceased March 19, 1977, and Karen Jaquith Voth. Darline and Terry loved to travel and took many wonderful trips together and with Steve and Karen in the States and abroad. Terry passed away on January 21, 1991.
Darline married Melvin A. (Al) Peterson on January 24, 1994. Darline and Al spent retirement playing golf together and traveling between their home in Topeka and their winter home in Litchfield Park, Arizona, spending time with the many friends they made in both locales. Al Peterson passed away on December 22, 2015.
Darline was a member of First United Methodist Church, The Topeka Country Club, the Topeka Jazz Workshop and P.E.O. – Chapter GJ where she was recognized as a Golden Girl having been a member for over 50 years.
A memorial service honoring Darline will be held at the Brewster Place Chapel in Topeka, KS Sunday, August 21 at 10:30 a.m.