Esther Mae Peterson, 85, Culbertson, MT

Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Culbertson, MT, with Pastor Gretchen Wagner officiating. Visitation will be held for an hour before the service. A luncheon will be held after the service for a time of fellowship and sharing. Esther will be laid to rest in the Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, MT. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Sidney, MT, is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Esther Mae Frank Peterson, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2025, at Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and kindness.

Esther was born on Jan. 19, 1939, in Dodge, ND, to Leonard and Elsie (Entzel) Frank, and was the cherished only daughter among five doting brothers. Esther's life was one of devotion to her children, grandchildren and her great-grandchild. Her gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

Esther was born at home on the family's farm where she grew up helping care for the farm and her younger brothers. The family moved to Sidney, MT, when Esther was in middle school. After graduating from Sidney High School in 1957, she began her career as a telephone operator with Mountain States Telephone Company where she formed lasting friendships. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Allen Peterson, Culbertson, MT. On Nov. 15, 1959, the two were married and began their lives together in Culbertson, where they raised three children: Paula, Darin, and Kelly. On Nov. 15, 2024, the couple celebrated 65 years of marriage by renewing their wedding vows at the Sidney Health Center chapel surrounded by their children.

Esther's greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She took immense pride in every milestone, whether it was a game, concert, or school event. Esther was the best listener, supporting her children and grandchildren with unwavering attention. Even in her later years, when her eyesight faded, Esther found a way to stay connected to her grandkids' activities, using her iPad to watch and be part of their lives from afar. Her love for her family was boundless, and her home was always open with a heart full of warmth, care and favorite treats.

Esther's life was marked by service to others. She remained close to the friends she made as a phone operator, participated in the Red Hat Society, and volunteered at the local food bank, Trinity Lutheran Church and WELCA. She took great joy in her work on Election Day, serving alongside her close friends.

One of Esther's fondest memories was when her children came home to visit. She would spoil them with their favorite desserts, making sure they left with too much food, and always, without fail, stood in front of the large picture window, waving goodbye until they were out of sight. Then, she would wait for the phone call to ensure her loved ones had made it home safely. She looked so forward to calls from the kids.

Esther loved the simple pleasures of life including gardening, caring for her plants, and reading. She and Allen would make a day of traveling to Williston and Sidney, enjoying their favorite restaurants along the way. Weekly visits to the Senior Citizens Center were a tradition, giving Esther and Allen the chance to catch up on the latest Culbertson stories. Allen and Esther loved their road trips, traveling to bank conventions, tax school, and to see the grandkids. They enjoyed trips to Germany, the Panama Canal, and her favorite destination, Hawaii.

Esther will be remembered as the sweetest soul, a woman who lit up every room she entered with her smile and kindness. She made every person she spoke with feel like they were the most important person in the world. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of loving her.

Esther is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Allen Peterson; her children, Paula (Chadd) Wheeler, Billings, MT; Darin (Polly) Peterson, Jamestown, ND; and Kelly (Peni) Peterson, Watford City, ND; her six grandchildren, Andrew, Paige, Courtney, Michael, Kayla, and Lindsay, and one great-grandchild, Aven; her brothers Raymond and Harold (Edith) Frank; sisters-in-law Marilyn and Marlene Frank; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends including Bruce and Judy Waldhausen.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Elsie (Entzel) Frank; brothers Elmer, Art, and Ervin Frank; sister-in-law, Donna Frank; and two nieces Suzanne and Lisa Frank. 

Esther's love will remain in our hearts forever, and we will cherish the beautiful memories she created with us. She mothered with care and concern until the end when she was welcomed into her final resting place with her Lord.