Shawn Peterson Obituary

I miss you and want to ask you things all the time.

Dear sister of mine. I have been thinking of you a lot. Tallia is getting married and how can we have a wedding without you singing! I miss you and wish I could talk to you. I love you.

I have only recently learned of Thais' passing. I am so very sorry, there are no words that I can find to lessen your sorrow. I still speak of Thais with my children and I have fond memories of our time in Michigan. She will be greatly missed.

Dear Peterson Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful Thais. What a blessing it was to be her roommate when she lived in Michigan, and to be counted as one of her friends. I will cherish my memories of her forever. May you be comforted in the knowledge that she brought so much joy to others.
Love Amy Jo (Cleveland)Phillips

I want to express sincere condolences to Ken & Cherye and all the family. Thais was a great and loyal friend in the years growing up in Billings. I loved your daughter. I still remember her great spirit and I have the fondest of memories, her great spirit was infectious to those she touched. My prayers are with the whole Peterson family.

When I was told. I got the picture out. When I was living with you. I remember the house, in Ephrata. Wow!!!
Thais...You are Forever, in my Heart.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Thais, she truely was an asset to everyone she ever came in contact with

My life has been so enriched by knowing Thais. We served as missionary companions together in Spain. I am so glad we were able to be together a few years ago while I was visiting Texas on business. I cherish those days we spent together talking and recounting 'the good old days' in Spain. I am grateful for the honor it was to accompany her many times as she sang for others in Spain. What an angelic voice she had! Such a great loss to her friends and dear family, but how richly all our lives are blessed to have known this sweet daughter of our Heavenly Father.

I have never had any music touch my soul and give me goosebumps more than Thais singing "Oh, Divine Redeemer." I had the privilege of hearing her sing it twice! Her voice will forever be ingrained in my memory. No one will ever be able to sing it as well as she always did.

I look forward to hearing her sing with the angels when it is my turn to return to my Heavenly Home.

To the family of Ms. Peterson:

Words cannot express what Ms. Peterson meant to so many of her students, myself included. As a student of hers at Laurel High School I witnessed first hand the way Ms. P reached out to every student, especially the students other teachers couldn't or wouldn't make the effort to reach. The size of her heart was amazing to me and her example inspired me to want to be a better person to those around me.

Ms. P also touched me, like so many other students that she taught. When I went through a particularly rough two years she was someone I could confide in, come to for advice, and trust. She was someone who was a constant source of guidance and inspiration, and always pushed me to exceed the expectations others put on me. She challenged me in ways that many teachers never managed to be able to do, and she pushed me to not only be an excellent student, but to experience the world and be a better person.

It is futile to try to capture what all those after school conversations meant to me in words here. What is amazing is that I was far from the only student she reached this way. The amount of her own time and energy she gave to others is something more people should aspire towards. She inspired her students, by example, to be better human beings and in doing so she has surely made the world a much better place.

She will be very missed by the many lives that she has touched.
Jared Knowles, LHS Class of 2004

Ken, Cherye and girls,
We ache for you.
We pray for you.
We loved your daughter.
We love you.

Peterson Family
My family has been greatly blessed by your daugher Thais. How grateful and fortunate we have been to have known this choice daughter of yours. I can remember the first day of high school for my girls at Laurel High and how apprehence they were. But Jenette was just so excited when she came home, because she had an LDS teacher. Thais's lesson on heros had really touched her and she recognize her hero at the Prophet Nephi. Marijane had the opportunity to take voice lesson from Thais. We could never have afford her lessons except by Thais's kindness. Oh how I love to hear her sing, as I sat next to my daughter at the funeral and heard her beautiful voice, I could only say thank you for the time Thais spent helping her develop this talent. Yes, Thais was a great teacher and friend.

Dear Peterson Family,
You have been in our every thought and prayer this past few days. Upon learning of Thais' passing, Mary Gossett Johnson, LeDeen Vodden Grade and I all shared some sweet and fun memories of our childhoods and youths with Thais. Fun memories from school, church and just playing around. She was a blessing in all of our lives and I know that she will be rewarded in the eternities for her strong principles and beliefs, her faithfulness and friendships.

Miss P was an outstanding teacher, mentor, and friend. She is a great contributor to my success in life. I kept in contact with her after I graduated from LHS in 2000. I knew she wasn't doing very well the last few months, but I was shocked to hear of her passing. She was always very pleased to hear of my accomplishments and honored to have been a part of making them happen. She was an inspiration to me and I am honored that she was a part of my life. My condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone she has touched in her short life.

To the family of Miss P.
My heart and prayers goes out to you. The news of Thais came to me late friday night. My wife Heather left me an email that I recieved after returning from a house fire. My heart and soul felt heavy. Thais was truly a blessing from Father God Almighty. Thais touched everyones life that she came in contact with. That is the way that Jesus wanted all of us to live, Thais lived that way. It has been a blessing to know Thais and a memory that I will never forget when she sang at my wedding five years ago. I know that one day when Christ comes and takes us home she will be there in heaven waiting on all of us...

Dear Petersons,
When my mom called me yesterday to tell me about Thais, I couldn't believe it. My parents and I feel so bad. Thais was a beautiful gal and I truly remember her voice. Whenever I came to your home when I was growing up, I always remember her singing around your home. We wish to express our heartfelt sorrow for your family at this time and just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ken and Cherye and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we see you but infreqently, we think of you often. You were an important part of our family's early days in the church. The news of Thais's death came as a shock to us and our hearts immediately went out to you. My granddaughter Tyece(13) was especially affected by the news of her passing. We love you.
Jen, Anne, Patricia and Tyece

Thais, we will miss you tremendously. You have been a guiding influence and great mentor for my boys and I. Especially Zach and myself. You made everyone feel special and even made those of us with mediocre voices feel like we had great talent. I still get compliments for our duet in church. You were a bright light in a dreary world, and I'm sure if I listen closely I'll still be able to hear your laugh and a beautiful song from heaven. We love you and will miss you dearly. All our love and prayers go out to your family. Love you Girl, Jen and Boys.

I was so sad to hear about Thais' passing and want the whole Peterson family to know how sorry I am. I have always thought so much of Thais and could feel her interest in me and in my family. I will always remember her gorgeous voice and her funny sense of humor. My prayers are with the whole wonderful Peterson family--we all love you!

God blesses us with people like Miss P so that we can all be touched in some way by their life. She was an incredible woman an I have no doubt that she is singing in heaven. My prayers go out to her family that they heal with the knowledge that she was a wonderful woman that touched the lives of many and she was an amazing teacher.

There are not enough words to express how much Ms. P had meant to me as a teacher. She was a truly an AMAZING person, teacher, mentor. I have thought of her occasionally in my post high school years and this tells me that she was one of the few teachers to make an impact on my life and I will never forget that. I wish my condolences to her family and I'll miss you so much Ms. P.

I was a student of Miss P.'s at Laurel High School--she was always the one teacher that I was always glad to see. I always found myself trying to get into any of her classes if it wasn't english than it was an elective and by my senior year I had taken one of her electives twice just to be in her classroom. To several of us she was more than just a teacher. She sincerely cared about our well being and personal life especially if we needed someone. She was a great counselor to me when my grandfather passed away. I don't think that she could have given anymore than she did, I don't think I know anyone who gave as much as she did to anyone and everyone. I know that if you were taught by Miss P, was a friend, family member or just met her for a brief moment in passing you should know that your life had truly been BLESSED! Her life, smile, laughter and existence was one of the best I had ever known it is very sad that we must say goodbye to her. I am truly sorry for her close friends and family.

I am so sorry to hear of Thais's passing. She was such a Beautiful person. I remember before I ever heard her sing people would tell me how beautiful her voice was that I couldn't wait to hear her sing, and when I did, everything I was told was so true and then some. She made me cry , the Spirit was so strong. Thais was blessed with the gift of her beautiful voice not only with words but with song and we were all so very blessed to be the recipients of her gift.

To the Family and Friends of Thais:
Please accept my well wishes of faith and prayer as deal with this difficult time. As a colleague with her at LHS, I know Thais touched many lives of the students she had in class. She was able to connect with students that no one else could reach well. Her special talents will be missed.

May God grant you peace knowing Miss P. is in good hands and is smiling down on you.

Rauna, Michele, and I had gotten back in touch with Thais in the past year or so and it was just like we had left each other the day before when we left Ricks College. Thais is the one that made our time at Ricks the most memorable. We had many visits to Sober Society Pizza for "Pizza Bombs." Even the walk to the pizza parlor was memorable with Thais dancing and singing the whole way there. Thais introduced us all to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and many, many other adventures. She would sing to us all the time in our dorm room and we never tired of hearing her beautiful voice. I am so blessed to have the memories of Thais that I do. You are a wonderful family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ms. P was so important to so many people. Every moment was a teaching moment, and she carried them out with flair and honesty. There was never a day when her students couldn't go and laugh or cry with her. She was a wonderful person and I will miss her dearly.

Dear Cherye, Ken and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Thais. She was such an intelligent and talented individual - a joy to be around. My favorite memories of her are the Spanish extraction program when she was just out of high school, and years later, the days when she substituted in my Spanish classes for me. My students used to beg me to be absent so Ms. P would come and teach (and sing to them).
I know you will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Ms. P will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was my English teacher in high school and inspired me to become a teacher myself. She used to tease my siblings and I about out last name (Pedersen) and that hers was the right way to spell it. If it was not for Thais, my life would not have been the same. I am grateful for the time she had with us, and feel blessed that I knew her. My prayers go out to the Peterson family in this time, and to all of those who knew her. She will be missed and will always be loved.

Dearest Peterson Family,
We are so sad for your sudden and tragic loss. Thais was a beautiful person. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracy & Emilio

I could not believe it when I heard of Ms. P's passing. As I read her obituary, I was reminded of all that made her such a special and wonderful teacher. It is true--she touched the lives of her students and truly made a positive difference in so many lives. I will forever remember hearing her voice trailing down the hall as she sang and the kind smile and deep laugh that she shared with all of us.

Ms. P will be missed greatly. She was a wonderful teacher and friend to many of us. I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this time. Love you Ms. P....thanks for everything!!!

Dear Peterson Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Thias. She was one of the nicest people I've ever known and one of the most hilareous. Her laugh was contagious. Being able to hear her sing was a treat. She was very special to all of my family, including my Mom and Dad, and all of the Willis family that came to know her! She must have a very special calling in heaven. I'll never forget her, and will miss talking with her. My prayers are with all of you.

Love,
Wendy Willis Gaetz

I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved Ms. P with all my heart. I had her in many classes in high school and she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and love go out to her family.

In the short time I was blessed to be a student of Miss P's, she taught me so much, not only about writing but about myself. She will be missed so much!

We want to express our sincere condolences to Ken & Cherye and all the family. Thais touched my life with the devotion she displayed to God's principles. Her gorgeous voice blessed our ward congregation on many occasions. We are truly sorry to hear of her passing.

My heart goes out to the family. Thais was a very special person to me. She helped me survive my high school days. Also, she helped motivate me to go to BYU for college. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

Thais was my son's Sunday school teacher when he was 12. She gave a lesson on the Word of Wisdom stating that she had never tasted alcohol. He also set that as a goal of his and to this day he honors her with that acheivement!
We will miss that glorious voice!
Our heart aches and breaks with family members who will miss her.

Thais
was my friend. I loved her dearly, and although the years have taken us
apart distance wise, I have always kept in contact with her. She always
could make me laugh. She added her prayers to mine when I had a crisis
in my family, I am grateful to her for that. I met Thais in a special
place, while we were serving in the Spain Sevilla Mission together. She
was the type of person who instantly bonded with everyone. And WOW
could she sing. She blessed our lives over and over with her beautiful voice. I remember she would do funny things, like stick her whole fist into her mouth, and we would all laugh. She entertained us well in the mission! She was always laughing with us. She was a good missionary with a lot of love to share. I would spend time with Thais often right after the mission as we both ended up in Provo. All good times, and all good memories. I will always hold Thais close to my heart as a dear friend. I am glad Heavenly Father put Thais in my life, she did make my life richer

What wonderful memories I personally have a Thais and our high school years together. What a great woman. She left her mark in my heart. My heart and prayers go out to you, her family, at this time. May peace and comfort fill your hearts. I love you all.

I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF THIS WONDERFULL PERSON. I WAS A STUDENT TO HER AND TOOK VOICE LESSONS AND WILL MISS HER GREATLY. SHE MADE A BIG CHANGE IN MY LIFE IN MANY WAYS. MAY GOD REST YOUR SOLE AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.

Ken & Cherye & Family. We are so very sorry to hear about the great loss in your family. We do realize the heart ache you are going through, but hope you know your friends truly care about you and have your family in our prayers.

Dear Petersons,

I cannot express how saddened and shocked I was when my sister called to tell me about Thais. The amazing irony was that I had been thinking about Thais a big portion of that day.

She was without a doubt one of my best friends. She was wonderful, honest and always wanted the best for everyone.

I always admired her intellect, talent and especially, her sly wit. I could always count on her as a loyal friend and for loads of laughs during our years together in Billings. She was one of the funniest people I have ever known and I treasure the many laughs we shared. She was a gem.

She was also one of the best-read people I know (even counting romance novels). I always enjoyed discussing books and movies with her.

One of my favorite memories of us together was Thais, Nikki and I watching a lunar eclipse on the rims, laughing and drinking Diet 7-Up one summer night. Thais and I were laughing, while Nikki was swatting at bugs. We were lucky we didn't fall off.

I know we enjoyed much of the same music, especially Billy Joel and the Alan Parsons Project, but she and I would argue about Christopher Cross. She said she didn't like him because he sounded "too produced". I never knew exactly what that meant but she was probably right since he only made one album.

She saw me struggling with a bag of Doritos one time and showed me the proper method of opening it by grabbing the seams of the bag and pulling them apart. I never open a bag of chips without remembering the technique she showed me. I even refer to it as the "Thais method". Pretty silly memory I guess.

I will miss her very much but I know many people will be happy to see her on the other side; especially my Mom and Dad.

I think the world of all of you and appreciate how much you have influenced my life. Thank you for welcoming me into your home those fun years in Billings. You are a great family.

Sincerely,