Merris Petersen

Merris Petersen, 73, of Belgrade, passed away Sunday, August 21 with her family by her side after a brief struggle with cancer. She was born August 10, 1938 in Logan, Utah to Clyde and Elaine (Johnson) Hendricks. She was raised in Richmond, Utah, and graduated from North Cache High School. She married the love of her life Vance #8220;Steven#8221; Petersen, in September of 1956 in Logan Utah, and moved to Western Montana several years later. Together they raised two daughters Pamela and Trena. They enjoyed living in several areas of the Bitterroot Valley and moved to Whitehall, MT in 1983. When Steven passed away in 1994, Merris moved to Belgrade to be close to grandchildren. Merris had a very full and rich life. She enjoyed shooting, horseback riding, bridge club, birds, and cats. She will also be remembered for her enjoyment of horseracing, cooking, bowling, softball, and decorating her home as the seasons changed. She was passionate about gardening and antiquing, her greatest joy being her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Steven in 1994, and her mother Elaine in 1992. Survivors include her father Clyde Hendricks of Richmond, Utah; daughters Pamela (Kevin Heilfron) Petersen of Woodstock, GA, and Trena (Joel) Boehnke of Belgrade, MT; grandchildren Kiana and Hailey Heilfron of Woodstock, GA, and Tessa and Tiffany Boehnke of Belgrade, MT; great-granddaughter Ava Nicoya Lane of Belgrade, MT; two sisters Suzanne (John) Spencer of Lewiston, UT, Jalene Hendricks of Boise, ID; a brother Norr (Sharon) Hendricks of Smithfield, UT; sister-in-law Rosemary Petersen of Gallatin Gateway, MT; brother-in-laws David (Susan) Petersen of Frenchtown, MT, Todd Petersen (Sherri) of Riverton, UT, Johnny Petersen of Portales, NM, Scott Petersen of Gallatin Gateway, MT, Jed Petersen of Preston, ID, Erik Petersen of Ogden, UT, along with many loving nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held in Belgrade on Saturday, August 27th, starting at 2 pm. For information call 406-581-9651. A graveside service will be held at the Newton Cemetery on August 29th at 11 AM in Newton, Utah. She will be missed by her family and by the many people that she touched. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.