Obituary of Elaine Peters

Elaine Kniebes Peters, born 03/17/1931, passed away peacefully with her family at her side February 3, 2017. Elaine lived her life through a love of music and teaching. As a child growing up in Owosso, MI, she began as a twirler for the high school band. By the age of 12 she was playing the piano, clarinet, and saxophone. Early in her teen years Elaine moved with her family to St. Joseph, MI, where her parents opened a music store. There she added the cello to her repertoire. In this new town she made life-long friendships, played in the Municipal Band and the Twin City Symphony, and attended the National Music Camp in Interlochen, MI, every summer. When her college years arrived, Elaine chose a career in teaching and received her degree in Special Education from Michigan State Normal College. Music remained an important theme in her life as she married Richard Peters, a band director and professor of music, and continued to play in orchestras, ensembles, and bands. Her professional career began as a Special Education teacher in Mount Pleasant, MI. In 1959 the family moved across the country to Yuma, AZ, where she continued to teach Special Education. In 1966 the family settled in Tucson, AZ, where she began teaching at the Asthmatic Foundation. Throughout the rest of her career she held teaching positions in District 1, Marana, and finished her career teaching first grade and reading at DeGrazia Elementary. Her hobbies included playing bridge, watercolor painting, reading, and sewing. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Doris (Reynolds) and Van Kniebes, husband Richard Peters, and daughter Roberta Ann Peters. She is survived by her brothers Duane and Chris Kniebes; son Duane Peters (Jeanne); daughters Michele Razo, Denise Grant (Pat), and Jennifer Thompson (Keith); grandchildren Kevin Razo, Eugene Grant, Angela Singh, Heather Peters, and Lauren and Anna Thompson,; and great-grandsons Eugene and Donovan Grant. Elaine's family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the Northwest Hospital nurses, doctors, and staff members who became part of our family through their exemplary care of Elaine, Casa de la Luz for their expertise in comfort care, supportive friends, teaching buddies, members of the Fountains community, and fellow parishioners from Dove of Peace Lutheran Church. Your compassion and care were instrumental in maintaining Elaine's quality of life until she took her last breath. In lieu of flowers, family would prefer donations to the Dove of Peace Pipe Organ Fund. A memorial service, internment, and reception will be held on February 18, 2017 at Dove of Peace Lutheran Church, 665 Roller Coaster Road, Tucson 85704. The sanctuary service will be at 1 pm followed by internment in the Garden and a reception in the All Saints Hall. For those who are unable to attend services, please leave comments or pictures on the website adairfuneralhomes.com. These will be included in a guest book.