Neola Maxine Peterson (nee Taylor) was born to Earl Douglas and Mary Ethel (Fine) Taylor near Gaynor, MO on August 29, 1917, and passed away peacefully at age 100 on Sunday November 19, 2017.

She is survived by four children: John Blake (Barbara, deceased), Maida Kay McCormack (Joe), Merrill Earl (Sheila), and Rose Ann Wetterling (John, deceased). Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and eight great great grandchildren. In addition, surviving are her brother Douglas Taylor (Vickie), plus numerous other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her beloved husband Blake, and three sisters (Clarissa Magee and Sarah Truitt, plus one in infancy).

Neola attended the country Fine School near Siam, IA until her family moved to Stronghurst, IL in 1925. She then attended Stronghurst schools and graduated from high school in 1934. She married Ira Blake Peterson in Burlington, IA September 25, 1937, and he passed away July 21, 2001.

As a member of Stronghurst United Methodist Church since childhood, Neola was very active serving as a Sunday School teacher of all age levels, member of the Church Board and Trustees Committee, United Methodist Women, and Sunshine Circle. She was Church Treasurer for many years.

Neola was a homemaker as well as Secretary at the Henderson County Extension Office from 1958 until retirement in 1976. She especially enjoyed family time of all kinds, reading, crossword puzzles, and relationships with people young and old.

There will be a visitation at Stronghurst United Methodist Church on Saturday November 25, 2017, starting at 9:00AM until the time of her service at 10:30AM. Following the service will be interment at the Stronghurst Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Stronghurst United Methodist Church (120 S Elizabeth St., Stronghurst, IL 61480) or Henderson Co. Retirement Center (604 Oakwood Dr., Stronghurst, IL 61480). Funeral arrangements are being handled by Banks and Beals Funeral Home. To sign the guest book or leave a condolence, please visit Neola's obituary at www.banksandbeals.com.