Longtime Puget Island resident, Faye Rice Peterson, 90, passed away July 31, 2011 at Community Hospice. She was born October 7, 1920 in Vancouver, WA to Alva and Magda (Ullfers) Rice. Faye graduated from Wauna High School in 1938 and attended Linfield College. She married Ben Peterson on September 20, 1947 and they moved to Puget Island to raise their family; he preceded her in death in 1986.

She was the Heart Fund chairperson for over 20 years in Wahkiakum County, volunteered for American Red Cross blood bank for many years and was a member of the Cathlamet Woman’s Club for over 50 years. Faye was optimistic, passionate about life, treasured her family and enjoyed a good time. She was known as “Gafay” to her granddaughter Taryn and her friends. She loved and appreciated the staff at the Hotel Cathlamet and Columbia View Care Center and was well loved in return. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Janelle Bond; and sons, Blair Peterson (Tammy) and Todd Peterson. She was also blessed with a granddaughter, Taryn Peterson and a grandson, Chris Holland. In addition to her husband, Ben; she was preceded by a grandson, Kyle Holland.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00PM, Sunday, at United Church of Christ (Congregational). Visitation will be held from 3-7 PM, Thursday at Dowling Funeral Home. Private inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Faye Peterson’s name to Wahkiakum Community Network, P.O. Box 629, or Cathlamet First Aid Division, P.O. Box 142, both Cathlamet, WA 98612. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.