Peterson, Thelma Doris "Pricey" 

a prominent educator, born August 9th, 1918, quietly passed away May 24th, 2009, 
surrounded by family and friends. As a second generation Arizona native, who came 
from "true" pioneer stock, she was the first child born to Stanley Byron and Hilma 
Alfrida Price.Thelma's roots go back prior to the beginning of Phoenix, when her 
grandmother's older brother came from Iowa with her family and settled to what later 
became known as "Maryville" in 1868. She met with Thelma's grandfather, William, 
who had come to Fort Whipple in 1864, he was a military courier. William was one of 
the "21" original signers of the document that created the township of Phoenix on 
October 26, 1870. June, 1940, she married Robert Ritchey Alexander (deceased) 
father of Susan and Robin. Later, married Walter Geis (deceased) and Robert Peterson 
(deceased). Accomplishments: Influencing lives through education, volunteerism and 
life long friendships. She had a wonderful educational career spanning 25 years 
working for the Alhambra School District, as a teacher, primary consultant and later 
advancing to Principal. She was active for 20 years with the Association of Curriculum 
Development. Some of her life long friendships include a group that originated at West 
Hall, Arizona State Teachers College (ASU), that later became know as the "fleas", 
who were ultimately fleeing from Lady Margaret, their stern dorm mother, because, "girls 
just want to have fun". Upon retirement, she became an active volunteer for the 
Phoenix Museum of History. She gave tours as well as was editor of the newsletter for 
10 years and served on the Board of Governors. She was also an avid golfer and 
belonged to the Encanto Women's Golf Association where she also became their 
historian. In her "spare time" she enjoyed researching her familiy's geneology and 
ultimately compiled a book. She is survived by her sister Gerri Adamson (John), 
daughters, Susan Kennelly (Mike deceased) Robing Littlepage, (Brad), grand children, 
Steven, Jeanine, Marcus and Erich and 7 great-grand children. As well as her loving 
friends who have always been there offering their support. She was preceded in death 
by her sister Lee. A "celebration of her life" will be held June 13th, 2009, ten o'clock 
a.m. at the Everett Luther Life Center, Beatitudes Campus, 1610 W. Glendale Ave. Her 
family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff's of the Beatitudes 
Assisted Living and Care Center, as well and Hospice of the Valley for the loving care 
she received. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Church of the Beatitudes, 
555 W. Glendale Ave., Phx. AZ 85021, Florence Crittenton, 715 W. Mariposa St., Phx, 
AZ 85013 and/or Phoenix Museum of History, 105 North 5th St., Phx, AZ 85004.

Published in The Arizona Republic on 5/31/2009