Shirley Ione Hendrickson Petersen, age 89, died Sunday, January 22, 2023 in Irmo, SC. Born June 27, 1933 in Blue Springs, NE, she was a daughter of the late Marion and Ellen Dahl Hendrickson. She was the widow of the late Marvin G. "Pete" Petersen.

Shirley grew up in a small town in Nebraska working in the family café until she met Pete. They married at 18 and tried their hand at farming, but Uncle Sam had different plans and Pete was drafted into the Air Force. They spent 4 years in Japan during the Korean War, which was a really big deal to a couple of kids from small town Nebraska. After returning to the states and Pete going to college, they started their family. Once the kids were pre-teens she worked at C&S bank where she stayed until retiring after 20 years. Shirley enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing games and singalongs. The highlight of her year every year was visiting the Hendrickson clan and joining in on the singalongs. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, and other special times, it was common for Shirley and family to play cards into the early hours of the morning, while she forced herself to stay awake, not wanting to miss another hand, or one more moment of family time.

For Shirley, life's most important pursuits were to serve God and to love her family. Long time members of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, she and Pete were active, serving on almost every committee over the years. They especially enjoyed the Young at Heart group game nights and annual apple runs. From visiting shut ins, being on the Council to donning her witches hat for Trunk or Treat she loved every moment of it.

She is survived by a daughter, Kathy Anderson (Arlen) of Chapin; a son, Mark

Petersen of Lexington; grandchildren Kendall Anderson and Alex Miller; and numerous nieces and

nephews.

Funeral services will be held by The Rev. Larry Hagerty at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Chapin, 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 29, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall prior to the service from 1:00-1:45 PM.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St Thomas Lutheran Church or American Brain Foundation.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Generations of Irmo for the compassionate care they provided.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family here on the Tribute Wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Petersen family.