Eliza Jane Faircloth Peterman

Eliza Jane Faircloth Peterman, 88 of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Bishop Hills Elder Care in Rockford.

Born in Cheboygan, Michigan on July 20, 1931, she was the daughter of William John and Flossie May (Gray) Faircloth.

On November 25, 1949 Eliza was united in marriage to Dale M. Peterman in Angola, Indiana.  They raised five children and enjoyed 56 years of marriage together.  He preceded her in death in 2005.

Eliza began her career in education after receiving her teaching certificate from Presque Isle County Normal in 1951.  Later she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University.

She taught school in Metz, MI, Big Lake School and St. Mary’s School in Gaylord and Tower Elementary before joining Onaway Schools in 1974 where she taught until her retirement in 1989.

Eliza was a life member of the National and Michigan Education Associations, the Traverse Land Conservancy and the Pigeon River Land Conservancy.  A longtime member of the United Methodist Church she attended churches in Gaylord, Onaway and Lady Lake, Fl where she and Dale wintered for many years.

In addition to her husband, Eliza was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William Gray Faircloth; a nephew, William Jeffrey Faircloth and a son-in-law, Fred E. Foster.

Surviving are her children, Randy Arthur (Joanne) Peterman of Elmira, MI, Nancy Jane Foster of Vero Beach, FL, Roger Dale (Deb) Peterman of Rockford, MI, Carol Gaye Freeman (Nelson) of Vero Beach, FL and Kathleen Joy (Steven) Main of Onaway, MI; eight grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren

Also surviving are brothers-in-law Clifton Peterman (Pauline) and Jetre (Ann) Cope both of Onaway, and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements for a memorial service in Gaylord and interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Onaway are pending and will follow soon.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Black Lake Association.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com