Ruby Petersen

Ruby Mae Petersen, former long-time resident of Twin Falls, passed away at the age of 92 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ruby was born in Minidoka, Idaho to Alexander and Ruth (Schorzman) Neiwert on June 2, 1934. She spent her early childhood in the Rupert and Burley area until the family moved to Twin Falls in 1939. Ruby attended school in Twin Falls and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1952.

Ruby married William Alton Young in June 1952, and they lived in Twin Falls until Bill passed away in May 1958. Having not had the opportunity to attend college earlier in her life, Ruby began her freshman year at University of Denver in September of 1958.

Ruby married Emery A. Petersen on December 26, 1959, and they lived in Oakland, California where Emery was employed by the American Can Company. Subsequent corporate transfers over the succeeding 14 years moved them to New Orleans, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and London, England.

A remarkable endeavor worth highlighting took place over nearly four months during the summer of 1973, when Ruby traveled with Emery and their three young children by motorhome from London, England to Kolkata, India. During their 64 years of marriage, Ruby and her husband continued to travel extensively, visiting every state in America and over 50 countries.

In September 1973, they returned to Twin Falls and purchased Petersen’s Western Apparel in the downtown area which Emery’s mother had started in the 1950’s. While living in Twin Falls, Ruby was active in the League of Women Voters, the First Presbyterian Church, and the many civic and athletic activities of her children. She was the consummate mother, devoted to her children’s growth and well-being; her abiding care and dedication were a marvel.

In 1978, Ruby began work as an administrative assistant at First Federal Savings & Loan. After a few years, she began working full-time at C.S.I. and from 1983 to 1996 performed various roles as Coordinator in the Continuing Education Division.

While employed at C.S.I., she started off on her endeavor to attain a college degree. Ruby took night classes and correspondence courses to receive two Associate of Arts degrees. She thereafter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1992 from Lewis-Clark State College and then a Master of Education degree from the University of Idaho in 1996. Ruby was a lifelong learner and enjoyed staying informed on current events.

In 1999, Ruby and Emery bought a home in Palm Desert, California where they spent the winter months while continuing to live in Twin Falls during the summers. During retirement, Ruby developed her painting skills and enjoyed being active in both local communities. Following Emery’s passing in 2023, Ruby moved to Phoenix, Arizona to be close to both of her surviving adult children.

Ruby was preceded in death by her first husband, William Young, and by her husband of 64 years, Emery Petersen, by her son, David B. Petersen and her brother, Leonard Neiwert. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Steven) Summers, and her son, Douglas Petersen, her five grand-children and by her great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.