Karen Peterson

Karen Kay Peterson, age 72 of Waterville, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Frankfort Community Care Home.

She was born on January 29, 1954, in Marysville, the daughter of Lloyd and Marjorie (Gellenger) Easton.

She married Charles Diederich and they had three children; Shawn, Justin, and Dalayna. They later divorced.

On September 26, 2004, in Afton, she married Gayle Peterson. He survives of the home.

Karen was a nurse’s aide at Nazareth Mother House in Concordia, hospitals in Marysville and Hanover, and Blue Valley Senior Living in Blue Rapids. She loved helping others and it showed in her daily life. She enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo and slot machines. At home, you could catch her watching the Game Show Network on television or cooking and preparing a wonderful meal.

She is survived by her husband, Gayle Peterson of Waterville; two sons, Shawn Diederich and Jacki of Topeka, and Justin Diederich and Cari of Salina; four step children, James Peterson and Dalelee of Marysville, Michael Peterson and Shylah of Washington, Jean Tate of Marysville, and Laura Kruse and Peter of Marysville; one sister, Barb Rogge and Kent of Salina; six grandchildren, Dakota Mills, Jarrett Diederich, Aleah Mohl, Quinton Mohl, Hunter Diederich, and Elizabeth Diederich, and nine step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Dalayna Mohl.

Visitation will be from noon until 8:00 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home with Pastor David Thompson officiating. Pallbearers will be Shawn Diederich, Justin Diederich, Jarrett Diederich, Hunter Diederich, Michael Peterson, James Peterson, and Kevin Hynek. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Karen Peterson Memorial Fund, to be designated at a later date, and left in care of the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.