Bernice Adeline Peterson Reed

Bernice Adeline Peterson Reed, born June 6, 1917, on a farm near Stromsburg in Polk County, Nebraska, died Monday, July 27, 1998 in her Worland home after an extended illness.

Bernice, or “Bunny” as she was fondly called by her family, was one of six children born to Freda and Emil Peterson. She graduated from Polk High School in 1935. A marriage, which ended in divorce, to Thelan C. Quick, a serviceman during World War II took Bernice across country by train from Washington D.C. to San Diego, Ca., where she worked in government weapons plants and had her first child, Carol Ann. After her husband’s release from the service, Bernice returned to Wyoming where her second child, Constance Jo was born in Torrington. In 1963, Bernice married Ralph Reed and moved to Worland where the couple farmed north of town. As a long-term resident, Bernice made many close friends through her work at Holly Sugar, the Washakie Hotel, nursing home and various green houses. Many of her friends have gone on before her, and she liked to think that she would see them again someday.

Bernice loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, and had a passion for gardening, which prompted her to join the Worland Garden Club more than 20 years ago. Bernice was also active in the Rairkee Club, Worland Senior Citizen Center and Grace Chapel Community Church.

Her pleasure in growing a spectacular garden and prize-winning African violets prompted another nickname, “the violet lady”, which made her smile. Bernice was an excellent cook, homemaker and hostess. She enjoyed having her friends in her home for cards, particularly pinochle and games.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Reed in 1974; daughter Connie Jo Quick Myers of Mesa, AZ; siblings, Irene Green of Vancouver, WA, Lela Radefer of Eureka, CA; Myron, Blanche, and Floyd Peterson, all of San Diego, CA.

She is survived by her daughter Carol Swendseid and son-in-law Lowell of Elko, NV; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, brother-in-law Irvin Green of Vancouver, WA; niece, Deanne Devilles and nephews Dennis Green of WA; Ron Peterson of CA; D Rolland Lee of NY; and cousin Evelyn Saron of Stromsburg, NE

Memorial Services will be held at Grace Chapel Community Church on Saturday August 1, 1998 at 10:30 A.M with Randy Harry presiding. Private family burial will be held at the Lander cemetery Lander, Wyoming.