Flossie Pearl Petersen

Flossie “Pearl” Peterson passed away May 1, 2023 in Rifle, Colorado. Flossie was born June 17, 1934 and named by her father after two of his aunts.  She was the 4^th child in a family of 5.  Pearl as she was known to her family and friends was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt, wife and friend to all that knew her. She would greet you in the grocery store, on the street or you could join her on the porch for a visit.  Once you met her, she always remembered you and you were a friend.

Her cat Buster was her companion and confidant.  He kept her on her toes.  If she wasn’t walking around the Rifle Housing Authority looking for him, she was catching the birds and mice that he would bring into the apartment for her.  He is the best fed cat around.

From the Executive Director for Rifle Housing Authority - Pearl moved to Rifle Housing Authority, in Rifle CO in May 2018 to be closer to her daughter Candy and son-in-law John.  Pearl quickly established herself as a friendly, outgoing neighbor; she never met a stranger.  Many of her neighbors commented on how Pearl often gave them little gifts.  They will treasure those items.  Pearl loved her cat, Buster.  She often was seen walking around the property asking “has anyone seen my darn cat?”  And when she found, Buster, she would pick him up (he is a big cat too) and carry him back to her apartment.  Buster was one lucky cat.

She went to school in Bethune, CO upon graduation went on to study at Campion Academy in Campion, Colorado. 

She married John Hottle and had two children – Candy Hammerich and Barney Hottle.  She would marry 2 more times. (Edward Belt and Robert Petersen) She was a single mom for a time and though her life was hard at times she never let it get her down.  She was a strong, caring person who would help anyone at any time.  Pearl took pride in taking care of her family and her work. 

Throughout her life she had many hobbies and adventures.  She enjoyed traveling, fishing, walking, bird watching, crafts, flower gardens and being with family and friends.  When she retired from San Luis Valley Hospital as a Kitchen Manager, she became a board member of the newly established Senior Center.  She served for many years. 

Her first major trip was to Japan to see her son who was station in Yokohama.  Pearl and her daughter spent two wonderful weeks seeing parts of a new country.  She would return to Japan a few years later to help take care of her grandchildren – Shawn Hottle and Fabiana Hottle.  This time she spent more than a month and enjoyed every day.  Other trips to Niagara Falls, where she flew over the falls in a helicopter, and to New York City where she walked in Time Square her travel group saw many places.  With family she went to Lake Powell, Mesa Verde and many other locations.  She, enjoyed getting out and seeing new places.  Her last trip was to Quantico to see her grandson – Shawn graduate from USMC Officer Candidate School. 

Flossie is preceded in death by her parents, one sister and three brothers.

Left behind to cherish her memory is a daughter, Candy (John) Hammerich; son Barney Hottle and two grandchildren, Shawn Hottle and Fabiana Hottle.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm, Tuesday May 9^th, 2023 at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, Colorado.

Final Arrangements entrusted to the care of Love Funeral Homes and Monuments in Burlington, Colorado.