Mary Lynn Peterson, 71, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Linda E. White Hospice House, with her loving family by her side. She was born on January 26, 1955, in Mount Carmel, the daughter of Charley and Patty (Ridgley) Rutter. She was married to Doug Peterson who preceded her in death.
Mary was a proud member of Job’s Daughters in her youth. She spent several years working as a bartender at both the Moose Lodge and Knights of Columbus, where she took great joy in her work and meeting new people. She was known for the care and kindness she showed to everyone she served. In later years, Mary devoted herself to caregiving, offering support to local residents who needed an extra hand. She had a genuine gift for caring for others and formed many meaningful friendships along the way. She held a special place in her heart for Belle Haggard, who was one of the last clients she cared for and they became best friends. She credited Belle with encouraging her to be re-baptized and to become a member of Heartland Worship Center. Mary found comfort and joy in listening to K-Love Radio. She cherished her time living at Mesa Lake and treasured the summers spent boating and swimming with friends. Mary loved the outdoors and tending to her flowers and garden. She had a special love for hummingbirds and kept constant watch on the feeders she had in her yard. She could make you fall in love with any season with her love to decorate and her earring collection she had for every holiday. Above all, Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved her family deeply, and her absence will be felt for many years to come.
Mary leaves behind her daughters, Sydney Peterson and fiancé, J.D. Redding, Lauren Berberich and husband, Daniel; son, J.P. Mendenhall and wife Alissa; grandchildren, Riley Jane Berberich, Zach and Emma Mendenhall; sisters, Carol (Jack Chandler) Perkins, Charmin Mowrer; nieces and nephews, Jennifer “Fer Fer”, Charles, Jennifer, Tosha, Dalton, Megan, Chelsea, Tyler, Craig, Andrew, and several great nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Frank Sutton; brother, Charles “Sid” Rutter; and nephew, Clint Mower.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. The family encourages everyone to wear purple in honor of Mary’s favorite color.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Hodgson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Heartland Worship Center.
Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Mary’s tribute wall and leave condolences for her family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
