Loretta Peterson

Loretta Jane (Sorrells) Peterson, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 8:15 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2026 at the Goldwater Care of Roseville. She was born August 5, 1940, in Greenbush Township the daughter of Vilasco and Pauline (Mercer) Sorrells. She was raised and educated in Ellisville graduating from Spoon River Valley High School in 1959.

She married Gerald Peterson on December 2, 1962, in the St. Augustine Christian Church and he survives.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Gerald, of Galesburg; children, Kevin (Cyndi) Peterson of Avon, Denise Peterson of Galesburg, Laura (Rob) Olson of Henderson, IL, Loren Peterson of Gillespie, IL, Glenn (Sherry) Peterson of Newark, IL; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Peterson and Judy Linze; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Giles Sorrells and one brother-in-law David Peterson.

Loretta worked for the Avon School District driving the special education transportation from Avon to Galesburg for many years. She also worked for the Kensington in Galesburg as a caretaker and later worked for the Avon Nursing Home until her retirement. Loretta enjoyed gardening (flowers and vegetables), sewing, canning, baking, reupholstery and doing flea markets. She especially loved getting everyone together and decorating for the holidays. She was a huge Elvis fan and stamp collector. She was a long-time member of the Roseville Christian Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the funeral home. A time of visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Avon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roseville Christian Church and left in the care of the funeral home. Moore Memorial Home, Avon, is handling the arrangements.