Phyllis H. Peterson, 88, longtime Buffalo resident, died Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Chanute Nursing Center.

She was born June 1, 1920, in Riley County to Fred and Mary Buss Johnsmeyer. She graduated from Emporia State Teacher’s College in 1941 and Emporia State University in 1971. She spent 35 years teaching school in area elementary schools and business classes.

On Dec. 24, 1942, in St. Joseph, Mo., she married Milo E. Peterson. He died on Dec. 2, 1998.

She was a member of the High Prairie United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Larry Peterson, Buffalo, and Bob Peterson, El Dorado; and a daughter, Mary Ellen Peterson, Apple Valley, Calif.

A private family funeral has been planned with burial to take place in the High Prairie Cemetery. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.

The family requests no flowers or memorials be sent.