In Loving Memory

Cleone Peterson

Cleone Peterson, aged 90, of Colville, Washington, went home to heaven on Monday, November 29, 2021. Cleone was born July 15, 1931, in Hampton, Iowa, to Robert and Mildred (Sweet) Dutton. She grew up in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and in 1949, graduated from Grand Rapids High School, where she had been editor of the school newspaper and worked on the yearbook staff. She enjoyed swimming, canoeing, and ice-skating. She attended Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, Minnesota, and after her freshman year, married William Gorst of Pengilly, Minnesota. The couple returned to the Grand Rapids area, where they were blessed with six children and Cleone worked as a receptionist and secretary.

In 1967, the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Cleone worked in the insurance industry. A lifelong learner, Cleone attended El Paso Community College, took correspondence courses in writing, became a licensed real estate agent and a Hunter's Safety instructor. She was active in her church, teaching Pioneer Girls and women's Bible studies, singing, and playing piano and organ.

Cleone entered her second marriage in 1976, to Len Peterson, Sr., of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, returning to her hometown and gaining five stepchildren. She became a member of Concerned Women of America and traveled to Washington, D.C., to demonstrate in support of the pro-life cause. In the 1980s, she ran for Minnesota State Representative. In the early 1990s, Len and Cleone became snowbirds and began spending winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where she discovered rubber-stamping, a hobby she enjoyed from then on. She also volunteered at a Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Following Len's passing, Cleone married Larry Appel of Apache Junction, Arizona, and added two more stepchildren to her family. In 2009, they bought a condo in Colville, Washington, where Cleone enjoyed living close to her children and grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Cleone's Christian faith was her touchstone. She gave generously to Christian missions including Wycliffe Bible Translators and Arizona Reservation Ministries. She memorized countless passages of Scripture and amassed a library of Christian books. Her fellowship in various churches and Bible study groups sustained her and provided her with many precious friendships. In her final days, she looked forward to meeting her Savior face to face.

Cleone was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, two nephews, and one grandson. She is survived by her brother Alan Dutton (Orlean) of Mesa, Arizona; children Gail McDowell (Steve), Alan Gorst (Holly), and Wayne Gorst (Laurie) of Colville, Washington, Janette Nelson (Hedj) of Kettle Falls, Washington, Carol Cowan (John) of Columbia, Tennessee, and Jenny King (Jim) of Cody, Wyoming; stepchildren Judy Salsgiver (Bill) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Len Peterson, Jr. (Carol), of International Falls, Minnesota, Terry Peterson (Mary Anne), Bob Peterson (Patty), and Jim Peterson (Becky) of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Zalene Folsom (Mark) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Zane Appel of Phoenix, Arizona; 20 grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 28 step great-grandchildren; nephews Kevin Dutton (Teresa) of Bozeman, Montana, and Michael Dutton (Debbie) of Phoenix, Arizona; niece Rochelle Nelson (Mike) of Mesa, Arizona; and numerous extended family members.