May 13, 1945 - May 18, 2026
Date of Service: May 28, 2026
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Service Program
BURLEY – Loretta June Morgan Peterson, 81, of Burley, Idaho, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at her home in Burley, Idaho, with her husband of 59 years holding one hand and her eldest son holding the other.
Loretta was born on May 13, 1945, in Denver, Colorado. Her adoptive parents, Harry Golden and Emma June Morgan, took her directly from the hospital where she was born to their home in the tiny southern Colorado town of Sanford, where Loretta was raised.
Loretta developed into the perfect balance of southwestern grit and grace. She participated in barrel racing and loved helping her dad herd sheep. She was the San Luis Valley Sky High Stampede Queen, was crowned Miss Conejos County, and was runner-up to Miss Colorado.
Loretta also excelled in the classroom, graduating as valedictorian of Sanford High School and as a joint honor scholar. She earned a full scholarship to Adams State College, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1967, with a degree in elementary education.
Loretta married Clayton Mark Peterson on June 5, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple. Mark and Loretta settled first in Alamosa, Colorado, where Loretta taught first grade until her oldest daughter was born in June 1968.
In 1969, the small family moved to Idaho, living briefly in Pocatello before settling in Burley, which became their forever home. The Petersons welcomed another daughter in Pocatello, then were blessed with three sons after moving to Burley. Loretta enjoyed watching her children participate in a little dance, a little theatre, and a whole lot of baseball.
Fortunately, thanks solely to Loretta, baseball was not the only Peterson family passion. Music, particularly singing, was one of Loretta’s true loves, and she passed that love down to her children. Along with good friends, Carol Ann Lee and Jacque Lee, Loretta created organized singing groups in which her children participated. These groups — Love Notes, Company B, and Sisters and Sidekicks — performed at events all over the state, including at the state capitol.
As her children grew older, Loretta eased back into her teaching career, first through tutoring, substitute teaching, and a shared first-grade contract position at Dworshak Elementary. She was an unsung hero in the classroom, often working with students who faced the biggest challenges.
Loretta truly shined as the music teacher at Dworshak Elementary. The music programs during her tenure were productions to be remembered, and her students — every child in the school — adored her. Loretta was named Cassia County Teacher of the Year in 1999–2000.
Loretta was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In her final days, she spoke excitedly of her imminent reunion with loved ones waiting for her on the other side of the veil. She loved attending the temple and was grateful to participate in a session at the Burley Idaho Temple shortly before her passing.
Loretta loved serving as a teacher and president in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations, but her favorite callings always included music, including stints as a Primary music leader and stake music director. There is no doubt that she is anxiously awaiting her next opportunity to serve.
In the spring of 1993, Loretta’s first grandchild was born, and from that moment forward, she became “Granny.” Granny spent her last thirty-plus years holding and rocking grandchildren, attending their sporting events, taking them shopping, hosting sleepovers, fixing them loads of yummy food, and simply being their Granny in all the best ways. Granny had an unmatched ability to see and meet each of her grandchildren’s needs.
Loretta is survived by her husband, C. Mark Peterson; her children, Jodi (Christopher) Butler, Emy (Fred) Darrington, Mark (Jennifer) Peterson, Matthew Peterson, and Joseph (Kelly) Peterson; her grandchildren, Jack (Hannah), Landon (Heather), Baylee (Kasen), Jacob, Brock, Josh, Camryn, Ben, Preslie, Grant, Kwin, Clayton, June, Blaire, and Swen; and her great-grandchildren, Luke, Lincoln, Meg, Emery, and Mia.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and June; her brother, Robert; her sister, Harriet; and five grandchildren: Hannah, Ryan, Rachel, Rebekah, and Samuel Darrington.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley Idaho West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Avenue, in Burley, with Bishop Michael T. Jeppson officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Thursday, at the church.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/dMU2zhjS2wo.
