Jean Peterman

Jean Evelyn Peterman, 91 of Big Springs, passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at the Sedgwick County Memorial Nursing Home.

Jean was born on the family farm northwest of Big Springs on July 1, 1927, to David and Nellie (Vohland) Robb. She spent her childhood on the farm and attended District 11 Rural Schools. She graduated from Big Springs High School in 1944 and continued her education at Kearney State College taking a course in Pre-Medics.

Jean married Roy Alfred Peterman on August 3, 1946, and two sons were born to this union, Terry Lee in 1947 and James David in 1950. Jean and Roy divorced in 1958.

Jean worked as a Gray Lady at the Sedgwick County Memorial Hospital and 2 1/2 years at the Julesburg nursing home. She took Adult Night Classes in Civil Defense, typing, fine arts, and bookkeeping. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church where she was a teaching assistant, helped with Vacation Bible School and always volunteered with cleaning.

Jean owned and operated the Dairy King for ten years making wonderful cinnamon rolls. Many children made the stop there for an ice cream cone on the way home from the swimming pool on a hot summer day.

In 1966 Jean was the first female rescue unit volunteer for the Big Springs Fire Department, and she served for 27 years. She was also a member of the fire department, serving along with the men.

Jean worked at TRW in Ogallala for several years.

In 1975 Jean was crowned Deuel County Fair Queen.

Jean enjoyed being a caregiver to the elderly and caring for children. She loved her flowers, gardening, feeding and watching birds, and especially looked forward to Fridays nights when her grandchildren would come for pizza, games and to spend the night. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of watching cartoons with Grandma, playing checkers and dressing up in Great Grandma Nellie's clothes. Christmas Eve was always celebrated there with ham chowder, chicken noodle soup and a visit from Santa.

Jean loved to oil paint and draw and spent time taking art classes at Halsey State Park with her friends. She also crocheted afghans and shawls for all her grandchildren and others.

Jean is survived by her son, James (Betty Jo) Peterman of Big Springs, NE; four grandchildren, Tammy Sparks of Lakewood, CO, Lindsey (Jesse) Pouillon of Redmond, OR, Allison Wilkinson of Omaha, NE, and David (Tara) Peterman of McCook, NE; eight great grandchildren, Dillon and Shyanne Sparks, Faith Ellstrom, Casey, Cooper and Gwendalynn Wilkinson, Mila and Brynn Pouillon.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, David and Nellie Robb; son, Terry; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Betty Robb.

And as Jean always signed every card or letter, "The Lord bless you and keep you;" Numbers 6:24.

Memorials are suggested to the Big Springs Fire Department. Condolences can be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 10:30am at the Assembly of God Church in Big Springs with Pastor Todd Lanman officiating. Burial will be in the Big Springs Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg, CO is in charge of arrangements.