The family of Sharon May Peterson of Sun City West, AZ announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Family is the thread that runs through every story.
Sharon M. Peterson of Sun City West, AZ, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026 after a 5-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born on January 24, 1949, in Battle Creek, MI, the youngest daughter to William and Elsie (Woodard) Scott, Sharon grew up in Battle Creek and attended Harper Creek schools. She married James R. Peterson on June 11, 1965, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage and an extensive and loving family: 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.
In 1973, the family relocated to South Haven, MI where they continued to raise their young family. Sharon spent many years working at the Sears Catalog Store, MacKenzie's Bakery, and the bank. In 1985, they relocated to Litchfield Park, AZ. They also lived in Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Texas and South Carolina until they retired and settled in Sun City West, AZ. In Sun City West, she voluntarily became a care-giver to an elderly lady who had no family in the area; they became fast friends. She also helped care for her sister Margy and two of her sisters-in-laws as they started having medical issues. She was truly an Angel on Earth.
Sharon was a loyal cat lover and had many cats in her care over her long life; she adopted all of her cats from shelters - Fluffy, Patches, Spooky, Morris, Smokey, Kitty, Buttons, Spooky (another), Comet and Booboo to name a few. Later in her life, she became passionate about reading and her favorite author was Kristin Hannah; she was able to read all but two of her novels.
Sharon will be missed immensely by all who loved her. Family was Sharon's greatest joy, especially raising her three children who she treasured spending time with. She is survived by her loving husband; children - Tammy Payne (Peterson) and Gary Chumley, Sheri (Peterson) and Matt Brockelsby, and Richard and Monica Peterson; grandchildren - Harrison and Mashiath, Michelina and Ian, Christopher and Aijana, Augustine and Amber, and Matthew; great-grandchild, Levi.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and step-father, Omar, sister Margy, brothers Billy and Jerry, brothers-in-law Walt, Wayne, Roger, and Ruben, sister-in-laws Gloria, Betty, Joan and Julia, and grand-daughter Hailey.
The family had a private viewing after which she was cremated per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any local Cat Rescue/Shelter of your choice.
