TORRINGTON – A celebration of life for Donna Elsie Peterson, 92, will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2025. Donna passed away Saturday, December 13 in Scottsbluff care facilities, and cremation has taken place. Pastor Brent Mullock will officiate at SonRise Church. A reception will follow at the church.
Donna was born January 9, 1933, to A.D. and Elsie Paisley of Node. She was proud of beginning her education at Node’s one room schoolhouse, which led to becoming Valedictorian of her Lusk High School Senior Class. She married Mahlon on her birthday in 1955, and in the first years of their marriage Mahlon worked in road construction. They often boasted to have lived in every town in eastern Wyoming before settling on their farm outside of Torrington in 1959.
Donna and Mahlon made a life in the Gleaners Union Community: farming, raising three kids, and becoming active members of the community. Donna was involved in the 4-H program for over 60 years. It was her honor to lead the Gleaners Union club, establish the cat and dog projects, and hold office at local and state 4-H levels. She has been a positive influence to thousands of Wyoming 4-H youth over the years. No doubt many alumni will have memories of her leadership, work ethic, and dedication to cats, dogs, leathercraft, art and other projects.
As a lifelong community leader, Donna was an enthusiastic member of the Southeast Wyoming Art Association, the local Red Hat Society, Goshen County Homemakers Club, and Gleaners Union Club. All of which brought her joy. Independent to the end, you may have seen her lunching at the Senior Center, enjoying local art shows, judging cat and dog shows at county fairs, and taking care of her barn animals! She loved to travel and took many cruise trips with Mahlon. After she lost her dancin’ partner, she continued to travel, making multiple trips to bucket-list destinations with her friends and family.
Donna was a dedicated, lifelong artist, having showcased her talent across the state. Goshen County locals may be familiar with her murals in Torrington and Lingle, and she took joy in encouraging her children and grandchildren to hone their own crafts. She was an avid photographer as well, having documented her life in thousands of images throughout the years.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Mahlon. She is survived by sons Eric (Jeanine) of Sheridan, Clay of Torrington, and daughter Kathi (Don) Buxman of Greeley. Grandchildren include Mae (Dusty) Smith, Tandy Peterson, Lloyd (Micki) Votruba, Andy (Emily) Lucas, Clay Walker and Kelly Peterson. Donna particularly enjoyed great-grandchildren Gracia, Bryndle, Taos, and Remi Votruba, Kolby and Krew Lucas, Cedar and Stetson Smith and her little dog Sioux.
Colyer Funeral Home in Torrington has assisted with arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com. Donations in Donna’s memory can be made to the Goshen County 4-H Foundation.
