Grace Leona (Bartlett) Peterson-Perryman

Grace Leona (Bartlett) Peterson-Perryman, age 95 years, of Brighton, Missouri, passed from this life to her eternal reward in Heaven on Monday July 12th, 2021, at 8:30 am. As a result of health- related issues complicated by the Covid 19 virus.

Grace was born May 6th, 1926, to Solomon Jesse Bartlett and Jenny May (Cordry) Bartlett near Waynesville Missouri, Pulaski County. She was the oldest child of this union. She had four younger full-siblings, younger brothers Dale, Charlie, and Kenneth Bartlett. She also had three half-brothers and three half-sisters. Preceded in death by her parents and above listed siblings. She is survived by one younger brother Marvin and Wife Elaine of Stillwater, Ok.

Grace married Leonard Mylan Peterson in 1945. There were 8 children born of this union, six boys and two girls: Norman Ray, Darold Mylan, Richard Lee, Ronald Everett, Dean Leon, Larry David (Ikey), Jenny Ellen and Mary Vilindie. Four of her sons would also precede her in death from automobile fatalities; Ray (1967), Dean & Ike (1971), and Richard (2006). Two sons-in-law Leroy Novak (Jenny), and Danny Eagleburger (Lindy). She is survived by one brother, Marvin Bartlett (Elaine) of Stillwater, Oklahoma; her children, Darold Peterson (Wanda) of Richland, Missouri, Ronnie Peterson of Halltown, Missouri, Jenny Novak of Long Lane Missouri, Mary (Lindy) Peterson of Springfield, Missouri, and Michelle Allen (John) of Brighton, Missouri. Along with numerous grandkids, great grand kids, great-great grandkids, many other family members, and friends.

After leaving Leonard in August of 1962, she and the children moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she worked most of her life in garment factories of one kind or another operating industrial sewing machines or a Bar Tacker. She worked every day, saved, and managed every cent and seldom spent a dime on herself. She provided for her kids, a home, food, clothes, what we needed and sometimes what we wanted... when she could.

She also later worked at Cox North Hospital in the Dietary Kitchen for 3 years doing a variety of things. And Mar-Lou Leather Craft until she retired late in her 60's. She then continued to work part time for elderly or ill friends, cleaning, doing respite care and driving for errands.

Grace met Frank Perryman Jr and they were married March 14, 1975. They worked, bought homes, and took vacations. She was able to enjoy life for herself for once. She and Frank together raised Michelle Peterson-Allen, a granddaughter as if she were their own, fulfilling for her those important roles. They were married for 28 years until Frank's death in December of 2003, from Alzheimer's Disease.

Grace resided in her home in Brighton with Michelle, her husband John and their two children. She suffered a bleed in her brain in her 80's that required surgery to repair the injury. She made a full recovery and though she slowed down, she remained amazingly independent and active.

Grace later suffered a broken hip in 2018 while shopping at Walmart and surgery was again necessary. This accelerated a decline in her health, both physically and increasing the progression of dementia. When she was released from rehab & skilled nursing, she went to stay with daughter Jenny because a higher level of care and supervision was needed. Jenny built a small accessible home to accommodate the needs that were increasing for Grace's care. Excursions became limited to necessities & doctor appointments. With the onset of Covid, they spent a great deal of time at home as confusion and frailty progressed.

During the last of June Grace and daughter Jenny became ill from Covid 19. They seemed to manage for a few days then things changed. Grace seemed to rally for a few days and then took a turn for the worse. She was able to remain at home under the care of her grandson David following daughter Jenny being hospitalized. And in care of Transitions hospice of Bolivar, Missouri. During her last few days, she had a few visits from family members and phone calls from many others. Grace passed away on Monday in a peaceful and pain free state in her home.

Grace was quite an amazing lady. She lived a long life that had great joy and great sadness, too. She was and is Loved by a large family and a multitude of friends. She will be missed by many in this life, but her reward is due. We will join her someday and enjoy the Blessings of God thru the Lord and Savior of us all, Jesus Christ.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, July 30th, 2021, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home: 500 E. Walnut Street Springfield, MO 65806.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 31st, 2021, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home: 500 E. Walnut Street Springfield, MO 65806. Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Bethlehem Cemetery near Swedeborg, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.