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Vicki Larsen Peterson

Mar. 27, 1943 - Aug. 20, 2025

Date of Service: Aug. 26, 2025

“I had such a happy childhood.”

When Mom’s parents, Jay Raphael and Naomi Valora (Nielson) Larsen, were expecting her, they saw a movie where the lead actress was named Vicki. Her dad decided if they had a girl, that would be her name.

Vicki Larsen Peterson left heaven on March 27, 1943, and was welcomed by her excited parents and an older brother, Jay R. Mom’s happy childhood was spent with her best friends, her sisters: Lana, Karen, Kay, and Janaye. Together, with many cousins, they often gathered at her Nielson grandparents, listening to her mother’s family practice music. The Nielson Family Orchestra played venues all across Idaho. Sunday dinner was at the Nielson grandparents followed by a drive to Idaho Falls to visit the Larsen grandparents. Mom loved the stop for black licorice ice cream cones on the way home.

“I was awed by Brent’s testimony and inherent goodness from the start.”

Mom met Dad, Brent J. Peterson, at a church youth party, which was apropos since much of their life was spent at Church: singing in the ward choir, performing duets in Sacrament Meeting, and attending the temple. They attended Firth High School together where Mom participated as both a majorette in a blue and white uniform and a cheerleader. They were married September 2, 1959, and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, with a promise of eternity. Their loving courtship continued throughout their sixty years together, standing as an example to their children and grandchildren. In one of Dad’s poems, he wrote, “her love can reach clear to my soul. Her acceptance and giving, building, making my life whole.”

After some time at Utah State in Logan, Utah, they began farming in dusty Raft River, Idaho, with Grandpa Peterson. Mom brought six daughters in a row to the world: Sherri (Mike), Lori Lin (Glen), Camille (Gerald), Regina, Tiffany (Tonga), and Nicole, followed by three sons: John Brent (Julie), Blake Larsen (Sean), and Brent Glade (Amber). Mom was usually in the kitchen cooking her delicious specialties: Butter Baked Chicken and Gravy and Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes. But she would help Dad with the harvest by driving truck. It was an adventure to ride with her on a trip to the beet dump.

In 1976, the family moved to Declo, and they also lived in Springdale until Dad’s passing in 2021. While Mom would have preferred to stay home and bake chocolate sheet cake, she supported Dad in his farming adventures living in far off places like the Republic of Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, South Dakota, and Montana. Mom’s tender care of Dad was a testimony of their love.

“When I first heard the song, “Where Love Is,” I couldn’t wait to teach it.”

Her foundation and training in music enriched many lives. Starting at age 12, she served as the Primary pianist assisting her mother who was the chorister. Later, she was the chorister and her daughters were the pianists. One of her favorite callings was serving as the Primary Stake Second Counselor where she attended workshops at Church headquarters and first heard her favorite Primary song: “Where Love Is.” In her home, she taught piano lessons, sharing her love of music with many children. On many Saturday nights, we went to sleep hearing Mom at the piano, rehearsing with others to perform on Sunday.

“My favorite part of Christmas was designing and sewing special dresses for my daughters and granddaughters.”

As the grandchildren began to arrive, Mom became Grandmother extraordinaire. She hosted Grandma Weeks during the summer, spoiling grandkids in batches. An excellent seamstress, Mom would take two or three patterns and create her own designs of baby dresses, baptism capes, Christmas dresses, and prom dresses. She loved to attend as many musical recitals, ball games, baptisms, and temple endowments as she could. Her beautiful smile was what the grandchildren looked for in the audience. As the hostess for the legendary, three-day Thanksgiving celebration, she not only served a dinner beyond compare, but organized bingo games, talent shows, Chinese checkers, and lots of snuggles on the couch.

As a young girl, she enjoyed taking an apple and a new book to read under a tree on a summer afternoon. She shared that love of reading while working as a librarian for twenty years at Declo Junior High School. In this capacity, she provided a safe haven for students who needed a grandmother to listen to them. Mom also participated in the community through forty years of membership in the Declo Book Club and the Domestic Duchesses Homemaking Club.

“My favorite place to be is the temple.”

With her eternal companion, Mom served two missions in the Tennessee Nashville Mission and served as an ordinance worker in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple. As promised in her patriarchal blessing, she found joy in ancestral research and the completion of temple ordinances. No matter how far away Mom and Dad traveled, or how different the culture, Mom could talk to the people and help them feel the love of the Savior.

When it was time to move to Lehi, Utah, to be around family, it was hard to leave her many neighbors and ward friends, but Mom was excited when the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple opened up two miles away. One of her last wishes was to return to Idaho and attend the Burley, Idaho Temple Open House with all of her family. Mom reached her hands out to join with Dad in the early morning of August 20, 2025. Her nine children, 31 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren rejoice to picture Mom and Dad dancing again through eternity.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Springdale 2nd Ward, located at 519 East 200 South, in Burley, with Bishop Matthew L. Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, August 25, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/G34gnIAO_gQ.

Condolences for Vicki Larsen Peterson

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Candi Wells :

John & family
I am so sorry to hear this! Sending u hugs & prayers of comfort @ this time! Your moms an awesome lady!

From Cindy Pehrson:

Reading all these beautiful tributes to your mom I feel like I missed out on knowing such a beautiful soul. What a blessing to know and love her daughter Lori. I see now how she became such a bright light in the world, like the boys in Hellman’s army she was taught by her loving mother and father. May you all feel the peace and comfort that is offered to you by a loving Saviour. Sending my love to you all.

From Shirley Matthews Pollock:

What a wonderful, spiritual woman Vicki was. I feel very blessed to have had her as a young women’s leader as well as have a relationship at school as adults. She was always so kind and willing to help me find appropriate books for my gifted students. My thoughts are with you all at this time

From Cindy Croft:

Vicki was one of my favorite friends. I have fond memories of quiet meals and talks on my patio. She shared sweet stories with me about her family-who she loved with every fiber of her being. Sending love and prayers to her family. Cindy (and Kevin) Croft

From Shari Bell :

I had the great honor of working with Vicki at Declo Middle School. I loved when occasionally she would ask me to read books for her to see if they were age appropriate for our middle schooler’s. She was just a wonder person who made others feel great about themselves. Love you Vicki

From Valarie Crane:

My condolences. Vicki has always been a dear, sweet, caring momma & friend. She will be greatly missed. Oh what a beautiful reunion with her sweetheart.

From Sara Osterhout :

I had the privilege of working with Vicki at Declo Jr high, her stories and treats were ones to always remember (her cranberry cilantro dip is my favorite)
My deepest sympathy to her family.

From Nola Asher:

Love to you all. We had such fun singing together. She was such an awesome friend. Brent is now enjoying her forever.

From Lesa Fox:

Vicki was one wonderful lady! I had the privilege to work with Vicki at the junior high for many years and dearly loved our conversations and hearing about all her fun adventures to NYC and her Thanksgiving festivities! Her smile and laugh were contagious! She will be missed by all who knew and loved her! Sending my love and sympathy to her family.

From David Price:

Brent and Vicky back with each other
David and Susan
Seems Like one family

From Carrie (Schafer) McCrory :

I have such fond memories of Sister Peterson. I spent a lot of my summer days over playing at their house and down at the river. She was also always so kind to me whenever I came home from college to visit my parents.

I'm so very sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you all!

From LoRei DeWeese:

Sister Peterson was a special friend to me when she and Elder Peterson were here in Morgantown KY on their mission. They just seemed to be kindred spirits to me and my husband Danny. We laughed and talked and ate many meals together. When they left the first time I felt like a part of my heart was gone. The next Spring conference which was a sunny Sabbath day I was setting on my couch with the front door open after conference ended and looked out the door and two people came walking up the side walk. I thought my eyes were deceiving me or I was having a vision but it was that lovely couple. My heart was rejoicing. I think of that day and all the times with them with joy. I cherish those time. As I think of that day I think of just how much Joy they are having again being together. She is an extraordinary lady and had not one problem sharing her testimony and her love. I deem a it the greatest of privileges to have known them and being their friends.

From Amirkhanashvili s family :

We were truly blessed to meet Vicki and Brent in 1997 in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. From the very beginning, they surrounded us with so much love and care that we began calling them our American parents. I used to joke that they now had ten children—and they embraced that with open hearts.
Since then, they never missed a Christmas visit, on the way to Idaho just to visit us and our kids.
It was heartbreaking when Brent left us. And now, losing one of the kindest, most beautiful souls—Vicki—is incredibly painful.
We love you, Vicki. You and Brent will always live in our hearts.
Amirkhanashvili s family

From Cathi Webb:

I loved her with all my heart. Mark and I will forever be grateful for the important part they played in our lives

From RaNelle & Ron Knowles:

I was so sad to see that my dear , sweet friend Vicki had graduated to the other side, but then knew that she is so happy to be with her forever love, Brent. We had such wonderful times together, especially singing in Sweet Adeline’s for years. I loved hearing her play the piano with her special flare. Ron appreciated her uplifting cheerfulness and support on the Declo Sr & Jr. high school staff. Our hearts are so sad for you who have been left behind, because you will feel the emptiness, of not having her by your side. However, her sweet spirit will always be with you. You had exceptional parents throughout your life. They will be an anchor to the eternities as your family once again to joins together. Love to you all!

From Paul Rodgers :

A woman of grace and warmth. I admired the love Vicki showed for her beautiful family as well as the kindness she showed to me. What a blessed life she lived! My thoughts are with the Peterson family.

From Lottie Hurst :

Such a good friend since the first day we met at church in Declo , me,pries of all the school and church activities we shared with our children , plus Book Club and all activities associated with Declo

From Tonya (Hitt) Zollinger:

So my heart breaks for your family. Some of my fondest memories are in the cinder block house with Gini. Vicki, you will be missed but never forgotten.

From Wilma and Dennis Frandsen :

In the short time that we knew Vicki, she was able to leave an indelible impression of positivity and cheerfulness on our memories.

From L D & Jennifer Sager:

Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear mother. Always enjoyed her pleasant demeanor. I do not remember her ever being a “downer” or pessimistic about anything. All of us will miss her infectious laugh and jovial personality. To all of the Petersen kids I express my deepest sympathy at this time. May the Lord’s tender mercies help assuage the sadness.

From Jana Darrington :

We are so sorry for your loss! Vicki will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and bubbly personality. She was a treasured friend! We have many fond memories of her and your dad from our time together in Turkey. May you find comfort in your beautiful memories of your sweet Mother.
Tim and Jana

From Jake Zollinger:

Our deepest condolences to the Peterson family. Vicki was an amazing person, and a wonderful example to everyone. We will miss her and always remember the joy she brought to our lives.

From Heidi Lyman:

So sorry for your loss, I have very fond memories of both your parents. Thinking of all of you at this time.

From Teague Smyer :

Love Vicki and the Peterson family. I grew up with many fond memories with her. Vicki was my librarian, went to church with her, and my piano teacher for years. She was a great woman and I am sure her reunion with Brent will be very sweet !

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