Mrs. Thelma Pauline Ailer Peterson, 93, formerly of Rochester, passed away at Grace Village Health Care Center on Saturday, May 16, 2015. Born on November 23, 1921, in Fulton County, Thelma was a cherished daughter of Russell and Blanche Wynn Ailer. Growing up as the second eldest she shared her childhood with three sisters: Velma, Donna Jo and Phyllis. With great Hickory pride she graduated with her class from Talma High School in 1939. Thelma and Maurice J. Peterson were married on October 25, 1941 in Tiosa. Together they enjoyed over 47 years of life's adventures and from their union came a son Barry. Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of two more generations. In the early years, on their Newcastle Township farm Thelma took care of her family, cooking and domestic chores. Additionally she maintained the yard and gardens while overseeing the chicken operation. Thelma was a loyal and devoted member of the Riverview Community Church. As an adventurer, Thelma and Maurice took to the road in their travel trailer, visiting every state except Alaska. Some of their favorite destinations were the Rocky Mountains, and the Rio Grande Valley. They wintered in Yuma, AZ for eleven years. Later they visited Hawaii, Bahamas and several European countries. There were memorable trips to Canada and they were once a part of a 32 day caravan to Baja, Mexico that included a ride on a ferry. Thelma and her trio of BFF lady friends Elnora Craig, Pat Evans and Lois Doud shared the joy of venturing out on bus trips. They also drove to other locales east of the Mississippi River. Many times they enjoyed employing practical jokes on each other, and thunderous laughter that accompanied the prank. Dining out and a drive thru the country was a great way for them to relax with much chatter, catching up on the latest. The matriarch of the Peterson family, Grandma Thelma was proud to oversee four generations. She enjoyed living near her family, while watching her grandchildren, Amy and Brian, grow up to the adults they are today. The great-grandchildren brought her happiness, keeping track of their school activities and with their visits at the holidays and special family celebrations. Left to cherish Thelma's memory are her son Barry Peterson and wife Judy of Rochester; a granddaughter, Amy Elliott and husband Shawn of Laingsburg, MI and their children, Austin and Josh Elliott; a grandson, Brian Peterson and wife Tracy of Winona Lake and their children, Haley, Emily and Abbey Peterson; 3 sisters: Velma Horn of Mentone, Donna Jo Ailer of Mishawaka, Phyllis Swanson and husband Robert of Atwood; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Thelma in death are her parents and husband, Maurice on July 31, 1989. Rev. Rod Ruberg will officiate services. Thelma will be laid to eternal rest next to her beloved husband Maurice in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.