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Margery Peterson

Margery was born Feb. 4, 1915, to Warren and Nell Dorrance in Paonia, Colo. She attended Mesa Business College in Grand Junction where she met and married Vance B. Peterson. Upon completing their studies they both took employment at a sawmill in McPhee, Colo., where Vance soon became the general manager.

In 1941, they moved to Gunnison, Utah, where Vance had been raised. They purchased a service station which they turned into a lumber yard. This was the beginning of Valley Builders. The business grew to a chain of eight lumberyards scattered throughout Utah. In addition to the lumberyard, and furniture and hardware business they built a large number of homes and office buildings.

Margery had become interested in flying prior to the Second World War. As the business grew, she became an accomplished pilot, flying extensively. They owned their own planes. She was an active member of the Lady Pilots Association, the 99er’s. Margery was appointed to the Utah State Governors Aeronautics Board.

When they retired, they moved to Sun City and later Sun City West, Ariz. Vance passed away in 1990. In 2005, Margery moved to Sonoma, to be nearer her family.

She is survived by her son, Thomas D. and his wife, Sandy Peterson, of Sonoma; grandson, Randy Peterson, and his wife, Sheelagh, of Sonoma; great-granddaughter, Maeve and great-grandson, Finn Peterson; grandson, Brett, and his wife, Chris Peterson, of St. Helena; and great-granddaughter, Abaigael Peterson. She is also survived by her niece, Gene DeWoody, of El Cajon.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy DeWoody.

There will be a service in her honor at the Trinity Episcopal Church on Wednesday Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice.