Elvira "Petie" Peterson Morley  '33  of Sandpoint, Idaho left us at age 93 on February 13, 2009 for a faith and family-built future of peace.  At her request, no services were held.

She was born December 26, 1915 in Denver, Colorado to Ernest and Estella Peterson.  A fall in late December 2008 led to her death because of respiratory distress and congestive heart failure.  Petie's father was a traveling salesman for National Cash Register Company and the family moved often, including Pueblo, Spokane, Pasadena, and Los Angeles.  Petie met her husband in 1935 at Bullock's department store in downtown Los Angeles and Herbert Guy Morley was to be the love of her life.  They were married in Pasadena on September 8, 1940 and went camping, fishing, and hunting for their honeymoon!

Herb was an LA City Fireman, and Petie was a stay-at-home mom until the kids were old enough for school.  She then went back to work as a secretary for the LA Board of Education.  After retiring they traveled a lot, visiting family and train collector friends.  Herb died in 1984 and Petie stayed in Los Angeles for several years, then moving to Shaver Lake, California to be closer to her daughter Nan, and in 1993 she moved to Sandpoint.

Petie was raised with five sisters; a strong faith, family, church, and community activities kept every one of the six girls united; a bond that has lasted thru 2009.  Petie was a member of the First Lutheran Church, and an honorary member of the Bonner General Hospital Auxiliary.  She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, quilting at church, Bible studies, gardening, fishing, and cooking.  Petie will be remembered for her big smile and warm, caring heart.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Nancy A. Morley of Sandpoint, Idaho; sons Roger S. (Connie) Morley of Sandpoint, ID, and Craig E. (Marlene) Morley of Carnation, Washington; three grandchildren, Teneka Morley-Short, Tyler Morley, and Kate Morley; and three great grandchildren, Spencer, Parker, and Carson.  She is also survived by generations of nieces and nephews.

Petie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Herb, and five sisters, Evelyn, Marjorie, Dorothy, Shirley, and Eunice.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice; otherwise, put a smile on your face and do or say something nice to someone.