Dorothy Ann Petersen died on February 8, 2017, in Maple Valley, Washington at her home of 25 years. She was born on November 1, 1937, in Ketchum, Idaho. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Aleda Hurst, and her sister Carole Drllevich.

After graduating from Highline High School in Burien, Dorothy was working as a server at a local restaurant. One day while at work, she waited on Leland Petersen and the rest was history. They married in 1956, and just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in November 2016.

Dorothy loved horses and horseback riding, both as a young girl and along with Leland for many years during their life together. Over the years, she also enjoyed camping, 4-wheeling with Leland in their Jeep, motorcycle riding, ice skating, bowling, reading and spending time with her family. In addition, Dorothy retired from Seafirst Bank/Bank of America after a 15-year career in banking.

Dorothy was a loving wife and mother of three, and is survived by her husband, as well as their children and grandchildren: daughter Julie Pavel, her husband John, and their children Tyler and Alyssa Pavel; son Bryan Petersen, his wife Diane and children Arthur and Noreen Petersen, and Jacob and Michelle Chu; and son Chad Petersen along with Sheilah Reynolds, and Chad’s son Joshua.

Dorothy will be interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored for donations to be made in Dorothy’s name to the Maple Valley Food Bank & Emergency Services. For more information, please visit www.maplevalleyfoodbank.org.

Condolences may be left under Dorothy Petersen’s name in the Obituaries section at www.elementalnw.com/category/elemental-obituaries/.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”