Mary Helen Bentley Peterson

On June 28^th, 2026 at 5:31pm, God called Mary Home.  A visitation will begin at 5pm and end at 7pm on Sunday, July 5^th, 2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Services will be 2pm Monday, July 6^th, 2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mary Helen Bentley Peterson was born on February 14^th, 1947, in Alpine, Texas to parents Brooks and Evelyn Bentley. She grew up in the small west Texas town of Marfa.  She graduated from Sul Ross State University with BA degrees in Biology and Mathematics and a secondary teaching certification from Sul Ross State University.

Mary was married fifty-four happy years to Walter Peterson.  They traveled most of the western states, as he worked in the U.S. Mining Industry.  They lived in Midland, Texas for over 43 years.  Mary earned her Texas State Elementary Certificate.  She taught mathematics and science for MISD in 6^th grade at Pease Elementary and 4^th and 5^th grades at Santa Rita Elementary.  Mary was an active member of the Methodist Church for over 53 years.  Most recently, she was a member of St. Lukes UMC.

Mary is survived by her son, Michael Peterson, daughter-in-law Amanda, and two grandchildren, Satchel Peterson and Sioban Peterson, all of Tampa, Florida.  She is also survived by many cousins, including Mary Anne Potter of Dallas, Texas, Jimmie Simpson of Carey, Idaho, her two daughters Robbie Romero and Jamie Spero, (and her daughter Maryssa Spero) and Leon Fails and Liz Rowden of Wellman, Texas. In addition, she is survived by her brothers-in-law Dale Sonnenberg and Tim Sonnenberg, his wife Jamie, and their sons Joshua and Jacob and daughter Victoria Faith.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Methodist Children’s Home, 1111 Herring Ave, Waco, Texas 76708, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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