Wilma Raye Peterson

Wilma Raye Peterson (Gillam), 87, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Wilma was born on March 14, 1939, in Logan, West Virginia, to the late Warnie Gillam and Iva Wireman. She was a strong and caring matriarch who devoted her life to her family. On Christmas Day, 1956, she married the love of her life, Ernest Peterson, in Elkhart, Indiana. Together, they built a life anchored in love, commitment and loyalty, sharing nearly 70 years of marriage.

Wilma worked for many years at the Owens-Illinois Glass plant in Charlotte, Michigan, retiring around 1992. In 1996, she and Ernest relocated from Battle Creek to Gilbert, Arizona. A devout believer in Jesus Christ, Wilma held a deep and steadfast faith, carrying a constant heart for the salvation of others. Known for her boundless generosity, bold spirit, and vibrant presence, she was both a champion and protector for her family. She was unapologetically herself and would drop everything to help anyone in need.

Wilma had an adventurous spirit. She and the family often traveled by car, across this vast country, instead of flying. She loved the open road. Her hobbies included bowling with family and friends, crocheting, knitting, reading, and doing crossword puzzles with her sister, and many other interests. She loved music of all kinds, and especially singing gospel music with her daughters.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Marvin Gillam; and her beloved grandchildren, Kyla Peterson and Hailey Phommavongsa, with whom she is now joyfully reunited.

She is survived by her loving and faithful husband, Ernest Peterson; her children; Eric (Sally) Peterson, Brian Peterson, all of Mesa, Arizona, and Erin Cotton, Jennifer (Jeff) Orbeck, Michelle (Han) Phommavongsa, all of Battle Creek. Michigan; her identical twin sister, Wilda Faye Werner, of Cleveland, OH; her grandchildren; Travis, Erica, Ashley, Amanda, Roscoe, Christian, Gabe, Hannah, and Noah; as well as many cherished great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Her family extended well beyond her immediate household to include many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will all miss her dearly.

Wilma's family will receive friends for visitation Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate her life will be held at 12:30 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers you can make charitable donations to:

Dementia Society of America, 188 N MAIN ST, DOYLESTOWN PA 18901-3731, USA

Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation,1460 Broadway, New York NY 10036-7328, USA

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 WATER ST FL 11, NEW YORK NY 10038-3589, USA