Patricia Ann Peterson

Patricia Ann (Cossairt) Peterson passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 86.

Patricia was born April 16, 1937, to Lloyd and Zula (Hylton) Cossairt in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and moved to Moscow, Idaho, in early childhood.  She graduated from Moscow High School in 1955.  Patricia met her husband Clarence Peterson while attending the University of Idaho.  They were married on September 2, 1956, in Moscow.  Together they raised three children in Pullman, where she worked part-time at the WSU Bookstore, and he worked as a wheat breeder for USDA-ARS and WSU.  Upon his retirement from WSU in 1994, they moved to a home on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Patricia and Clarence then moved to Meridian, Idaho in 2002 to be closer to his family.  In 2021, they returned to Pullman, which they still considered as their home. Together they enjoyed boating with family, their many travels and cruises, and spending their winters in Yuma, AZ.

Patricia is survived by children Jim (Sue) Peterson of Thornton, CO, Steve (Leslie) Peterson of West Tawakoni, TX, and Susie (Mike) Gale of Bellingham, WA; grandchildren Curtis, Colin, and Asheton Peterson, Jenai Johns-Peterson, Samantha (Evan) and Lexie Cox, Drew (Danielle) Gale; great-grandsons Bradley and James Gale; and in-laws Edna Howell, Mary Hanby, Chuck (Julie) Peterson, Ellen (Ron) Mitchell, Judy (Jim) Fritz, and Sharon (Dennis) Kelley.

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Clarence Peterson; parents Lloyd and Zula Cossairt; siblings Ken Cossairt and Mary (Mike) Spilva; father and mother in-law, Clarence and Jane Peterson; and in-laws Norma Jean, Gary, and L. Ray Peterson.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, March 23rd, from 12:00 to 2:00 at the Best Western University Inn – Moscow. The family asked that, in lieu of flowers, please direct any donations or memorials to the Clarence and Jane Peterson Scholarship Endowment, established at the University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3143, Moscow Idaho, 83844-3143. Please indicate donations are in honor of Patricia Peterson.