Chickie Peterson was born on March 16, 1961, the youngest of twelve children born to Harold and Gladys (Skallet) Walseth. From the very beginning, she carried with her an old soul, one that would grow into a life marked by love, resilience, creativity, and deep connection to others.

She was married for 28 years to the love of her life, Gary. Together, they built a family they were deeply proud of, rooted in love, acceptance, and togetherness.

Her greatest pride and joy were her five children and eleven grandchildren. Time spent with them was her favorite place to be. She taught them, not through grand speeches but through everyday moments, that the true meaning of life is love and kindness. She made sure they felt the grass beneath their bare feet, hugged trees without hesitation, and learned to cherish the beauty of this world and their place in it.

Chickie was an active and devoted member of the AA community, where she touched countless lives. Through her strength, determination, and unwavering encouragement, she offered hope to many whose lives were affected by addiction. She showed others that healing was possible and that no one had to walk alone. To many, she was a steady presence, a safe place, and a pillar of the community whose impact will be felt for years to come.

In addition to her work in recovery, Chickie was a Reiki healer who believed deeply in the power of healing, energy, and compassion. She shared this gift freely, always seeking to bring comfort, balance, and peace to those around her.

Music was another deep and sacred love in Chickie’s life. She came from a musically gifted family and carried that gift with her, playing in a band for several years and blessing those around her with a voice that everyone who loved her remembers as truly beautiful. She often said that listening to music was a spiritual experience, one that could move you, heal you, and connect you to something greater.

Those left to mourn the light and love of Chickie are her loving husband, Gary, her partner of 28 years and the great love of her life. She lives on through her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Her daughter Missi Smith and her children, Crosby and Winnie. Her daughter Lindsay (Adam) Sjulestad and their children, Rose, Sully, Evie, and Leni Lou. Her son Sam (Kayla) Kofstad and their sons, Bryton and Blaine. Her daughter Brittni Johnson (Brian Newton) and their daughters, Aida and Averie. Her son Gabe Peterson (Tristan Hanson) and their son, Gauge. Her faithful Yorkie, Ollie, who was a source of comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Marie Owens, Roy (Barb) Walseth, Al (Eileen) Walseth, Wally (Mary) Walseth, Lyle (Arlene) Walseth, and Scott Walseth. She leaves behind her brothers-in-law Paul O’Gorman and Roger Hruby, and her sisters-in-law Mary Walseth, Nita Walseth Fisher, and Kristy (Paul) Kelley. Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Waiting to welcome her home into God’s loving embrace are her parents, Harold and Gladys Walseth, her parents-in-law Gerald and Thelma Peterson, her siblings Jane O’Gorman, Ed Walseth, Lee Walseth, Vernon Walseth, and Karen Hruby, as well as her beloved niece Bonita Owens and her nephew Vernon Walseth. 

Chickie was an old soul in a modern world, a woman who understood that love is the highest vibration. She taught us that family is not just about DNA, but about the energetic threads we weave between one another. Today, we do not say goodbye to her spirit; we simply learn to feel it in a new way, just as she taught us to do for so many others.

Artistic, witty, and endlessly genuine, Chickie had a way of seeing the world that was both beautiful and honest. She treasured deep relationships, meaningful conversations, and the simple magic of human connection. She loved fiercely, lived authentically, and left people better than she found them.

To honor Chickie, those who loved her are invited to listen to music that moves their soul, walk barefoot in the grass, hug a tree, and choose kindness, just as she did every day.

Chickie’s life was a gift, defined by compassion, growth, and an abiding love for her family, her community, and the world around her. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.