Alpharetta Jean Peterson, aged 96, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, at Bethany Life in Story City. Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to honor Alpharetta's life at a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and continue until the time of the service at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care. In tribute to Alpharetta's legacy, memorial contributions may be directed to Households of Bethany Life at Bethany Life of Story City and sent to the family's attention care of Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Alpharetta was born on July 9th, 1929, in Grand Junction, Iowa, the eldest child of Claude and Alta (Kelley) DeMoss. She grew up alongside her two younger brothers, Richard Cleo, born in 1933, and George Elmer, born in 1937. The DeMoss family lived on multiple farms throughout Greene County until 1941, when they relocated to Boone County near the Zenorsville church area. Alpharetta completed eighth grade in the Jordan school district and then graduated from Gilbert High School in 1946. Pursuing further education, she enrolled at AIB Business College in Des Moines, where she lived and worked until 1948.

Alpharetta's life was enriched by her relationship with Earl Peterson, a former classmate. After their first date, the couple quickly became engaged and were married in 1948 at the Gilbert Lutheran Church. They celebrated their honeymoon in California before returning to settle on the Peterson family farm near Gilbert. Together, Alpharetta and Earl were blessed with four children and built a loving home.

After her son Kevin started kindergarten, Alpharetta began her professional career, first working in retail and later with the Ames Community School District. In addition to her professional contributions, she also assisted with the family's farming operations until Earl's passing. Alpharetta was actively involved in her children's lives, supporting their participation in 4-H and sports. The family enjoyed camping and traveling to many states during the summer months.
Quilting became a cherished pastime for Alpharetta, especially alongside Tracy and Terri. She joined a quilt guild and attended quilt shows throughout the Midwest and beyond. Alpharetta created and gifted numerous quilts, giving them to newborns and as wedding gifts, leaving a legacy of warmth and creativity.

Alpharetta was blessed with a long, fulfilling life surrounded by family and friends who cared deeply for her. She will be missed beyond measure and fondly remembered through the many stories shared by those who knew her.
Alpharetta is survived by her children: Tracy Yadon of Manhattan, MT; Rod Peterson of Boone, IA; and Terri (Mark) Mahl of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter-in-law, Lynn Peterson; grandchildren Todd Jones, Traci Cunningham, Jeremy Peterson, Shelly Day, Kelly Kubicek, Amy Kubicek, and Erik Peterson; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers Richard (Letha) DeMoss and George (JoAnn) DeMoss; and sister-in-law Esther Perez. She is reunited in Heaven with her parents; husband Earl; son Kevin Peterson; granddaughter Lindsay Borst; daughter-in-law Ronna Jones-Peterson.