Florence Winona Wagner Peterson "Tillie", 94, beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister and friend passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born September 24, 1929 to George Franklin Wagner and Florence Martha Taylor Wagner in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mom grew up in Salt Lake. Tillie became her nickname from an early age. Her father fondly gave her this name from the comic strip, “Tillie the Toiler”. He would read it to her and called her his “Little Tillie”, and most of her family and friends still refer to her as Tillie. She attended West High School and graduated in 1946. She attended college at BYU, where she was a Cougarette, for one year. She returned home and worked to earn a certificate in secretarial administration. She worked several places including Cowan’s Milk Depot, Carnation Company, and Jordan Food Distributors where she was an administrative assistant.
In 1952 Tillie met Gordy when he returned home from serving in the Korean War in the US Air Force. They were introduced on a blind date by Tillie’s best friend. They married June 17, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Tillie was instrumental in helping Gordy and his parents go through the temple. Gordy’s parents, Ruth and Bill, were sealed at that time of their marriage. Gordy and Tillie were married for 63 years. Gordy died in 2017.
Tillie’s most passionate job was raising her children, Susan, Barbara, Jane and Gordy, Jr. She was an involved parent, serving as room mother, PTA member and volunteered often at the school, as well as an election official for our local neighborhood. Tillie loved to be active—she used to exercise often at home in front of the TV with the likes of Jack LaLanne. She was also an avid tennis player and played with many groups at Old Farm. She would take trips with her tennis friends to the Indian Wells Tournament in Palm Desert, California. Tillie joined Curves Gym about 20 years ago. She was diligent in her regimen and in 2022 at the age of 92, she earned her 3,000 visit certificate. She had a competitive spirit in all she did.
She was a devout BYU Cougar fan, and especially loved the football program. She was a BYU season ticket holder for over two decades, attending most of the games with her daughter, Susan. Tillie loved anything and everything associated with BYU.
Tillie was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended Holladay 13th Ward and Olympus 4th Ward in Olympus Stake holding many positions including Sunday School Music Chorister, Junior Sunday School Stake Coordinator, Relief Society President, Compassionate Service Leader and Temple and Family History Consultant. She also volunteered weekly at Temple Square for almost ten years.
Tillie’s second most passionate job was being a grandmother of thirteen grandchildren. She earned the title of being “the hardest working grandma”. She also has fourteen great grandchildren. Another passion was going to visit her Aunt Barbara, in Portland, Oregon. They travelled together all over the U.S.
Upon retirement, Gordy and Tillie spent time in Bear Lake, where they owned a little ranch. They spent many summer days up there with family and friends and became a part of the community.
Tillie was one of a kind — a fiercely independent individual and was proud to live on her own up until her passing, just shy of her 95th birthday. She was the last remaining member of her Wagner family. Tillie is survived by her children Barbara Fairbanks (Kirt), Jane Peterson (Joe Baird), Gordon Peterson, Jr. (Mary), 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Peterson, Sr., and her daughter Susan Rosenvall and looked forward with unwavering faith to a joyous reunion with them and her extended family.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 17th at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. A viewing prior to the service will start at 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Graveside dedication will take place directly following the funeral. To watch a livestream of the funeral services via Zoom please click the blue "Watch Services" tab at the top of the obituary.
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Guestbook/Condolences
I have many fond memories of Tillie. I have to admit that I didn't know her name was Florence until I was in my 40's.
When our family moved to Portland Oregon, in1993, Tillie introduced us to her Aunt Barbara. She lived 1/2 mile from our house. It began a close relationship with Barbara and Tillie. My kids were very fortunate to get to know their Aunt Tillie and Aunt Barbara. We all love Tillie!
Jane , I was sad to hear of your mother's death. I know your Saturdays will be different. I enjoyed reading her obituary and her life, very impressive. Condolences, Wayne