Nichols, Iowa Mary Lou Peterson, 84, died Saturday February 1, 2014, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Nichols. Visitation will be 3 to 7 P.M. Wednesday, at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. Mary Lou was born November 13, 1929, in Louisa County, Iowa, the daughter of Roy E. and Edith “Toots” Chown Littrel. She was a graduate of Columbus Junction High School, Muscatine Junior College, and Iowa Wesleyan College. On March 18, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Lewis Peterson, in Columbus Junction, Iowa. Mary Lou was an elementary school teacher for many years, working in Grandview, Columbus Community and Lone Tree Schools, retiring in 1993. She was a 50 year member of the Conesville United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a great cook and baker, enjoyed her flower garden, watching hummingbirds and cardinals, and was an avid Cub fan. She is survived by her husband Lewis of Nichols, daughter, Rebecca (Tom) Furlong of Letts and son, Paul (Mary Lynne) Peterson of Bellevue, Iowa. Grandchildren: Lucas (Heidi) Furlong and their children: Genevieve and Henry of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Jacob (Lindsay) Furlong and their son Nathan of San Francisco, California, Ezekiel (Cassandra) Furlong of West Des Moines, Iowa , Michael (Katie) Peterson and their sons: Brayden and Brennen of Bellevue, Iowa, Stefanie (Tylor) Till and their children Samantha and Tateton of Beaver Creek, Ohio. Sister, Betty (Jack) Greenlee of Buffalo, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Laverne “Bub” Littrel.