Myrtle Peterson, nee Celestine of Lake Charles, Louisiana, went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 13, 2014, at St. Patrick''s hospital. She was in the presence of family. Myrtle was 86.

Myrtle was born June 4, 1927 in Iowa, Louisiana to Austin and Ernestine (Prejean) Celestine. She was the third of four children. She had three brothers Ernest, Raymond and Horace. In her younger life she was fun loving and carefree.

During her marriage to Berwick Joseph Dancy, she was active in the Red Cross, spending many volunteer hours helping the sick. Always at the ready, she was a "gray lady" on the front lines following hurricanes.

It was at Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, Louisiana that she met and fell for Virt Peterson, Jr. (Pete). They married and following several deployments abroad, Pete was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. In Abilene, she was known for her humor, volunteerism and devotion to family. She was employed personally by Mr. Mack Eplan, Abilene restaurateur, as his secret weapon. Myrtle was thought to be the reason for the success of his Jamaica Inn seafood restaurant. She was an active member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Wives Club and Our Savior Lutheran Church. There, she also encouraged her children in their studies and extracurricular activities.

Throughout her life she had a deep and abiding love of the Lord. She was selfless to the point of sacrificing so that others would thrive and prosper. Her generosity was well known from the homeless and downtrodden to international religious organizations. She was a relentless advocate for the poor. She took care of her neighbors and her family with boundless energy and unceasing prayer.

She was preceded in death by her Father Austin Celestine; her Mother Ernestine Celestine; Brothers Ernest Celestine, Raymond Dugar, and Horace Celestine; sister in law Johnnie Rae Celestine; daughter Sheila Celestine Limbrick; Aunt Eleanor Clark, cousin Willie Mae Prejean Ryan; and Great granddaughter Jaylen Bush.

She is survived by her beloved husband Virt Peterson, Jr.; her Aunt Lessie Prejean; her sister in law, Velma Dugar; her daughters Dola Marie Francis and her husband Mitchell Francis, Vivian Dancy, Jocelyn Dancy Smith and her husband Lester Smith, Dawn Dancy and her husband Harry Schyma. She is also survived by her sons, Craig Ryan, Roland Peterson and his wife Karen Rochon Peterson, Terrell Peterson and his wife Jeamese Scott Peterson. In addition to her children she is survived by grandchildren Scott McPherson and wife Jacelyn Vital McPherson, Christopher Limbrick, Angelica Adams, Alan J. Francis, Jason P. Francis and wife Brandy Alfred Francis, Neghele Smith, Damon Smith, Derrick Smith, Lance Cormier, Roman Peterson; Shountae Scott, Benjamin Peterson, Madelyn Peterson. In addition to her grandchildren, Myrtle is survived by twenty great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and close relations.

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to Evelyn (Spaghetti) Bellow, Barbara Cole, Paul Frilot, Pastor Mayo, Mark and Charlsetta Semien, Enola Stevens, Nelma White, Shirley Williams and Yvonne Wycoff. For those that we failed to mention, your kindness is not unappreciated.

"And when my life is over, do not mourn for me. For, I am with my Lord and Savior,

who gave HIS life for me."