Wilda Peterman

Wilda Lea Peterman, born Nov. 2, 1941, to Sam and Ola Cravens of Wright County, Missouri, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Jackson.

She was raised in a large family with brothers Gene, Jack, Jerry and Larry; and sisters Wanda, Sue and Linda.

Wilda graduated from Hartville (Missouri) High School and attended Southwest Missouri State College, where she met and married Gene Peterman.

She taught home economics for three years at Hartville High School before raising her own family of Brock, Eric and Kriston.

Her family bragged about Wilda's fried chicken and canned dill pickles.

Wilda was active in the Millersville community. She was a longtime member of the Millersville Homemakers Club; one of the charter members of the Woman's Auxiliary for the newly formed Millersville Rural Fire Department, helping raise money for its creation; and 17-year clerk of Public Water Supply District No. 2, moving its office work from paper and pencil to computer.

Her passions were quilting, crossword puzzles, gardening and canning, and family as long as health permitted. After her daughter, Kriston, was murdered, Wilda's goal in life was to adopt and raise her only grandson, Kai Dunya. Wilda Lea Peterman saw herself as a mother of four — three sons and a daughter — and having one grandson.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Peterman; sons, Brock and Eric Peterman; brothers, Jack, Jerry and Larry Cravens; sisters, Sue Hensley and Linda Blankenship; and grandson, Kai Dunya.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kriston; brother, Gene; and sister, Wanda.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.