Norma Nell Peterson nee O'Neal passed away at age 96 on Saturday June 16, 2018.  Norma loved living in Fredericksburg near her daughter, Lyn Peterson Linka.  She was born in Taft, Texas on August 30, 1921.  In 1942 Norma was working at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. She attended a church dance and met Lieutenant Donald Edgar Peterson.  He was a Navy pilot and later they were married in the chapel on the base in Corpus Christi. The couple lived up and down the west coast during World War II. Norma worked in Bremerton, Washington at the Naval shipyard where the battleships would come in for dry-dock repairs. After the war the couple settled in Kingsville, Texas where they were partners in Gulf Coast Grain and Elevator Corporation and South Texas Feed and Seed Company for over 40 years. Norma enjoyed her life in Kingsville and had many dear friends.  She worked with the church for vacation Bible school and arranged flowers for the sanctuary for 40 years. People loved to come to see her flowers every Sunday.  She was active in Garden Club, Women's Club, Campfire Girl leader, Flato Elementary School carnival, Sellers Market which supported local artisans and many other local events.  Her family enjoyed sports and activities at Texas A & I University. Where Norma was very active in the design and decorating for the Legacy Ball. Norma loved to travel and made many trips abroad with friends and family.

Norma is preceded in death by her beloved parents; Mamie Maley and Clarence Bernard O'Neal; Husband, Donald; son in law, Robert "Bob" Linka. She is survived by her daughter Lyn Peterson Linka and son Jim Peterson as well as 2 granddaughters and 3 great grandsons.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Community Life Center at the First United Methodist Church in Kingsville on Wednesday August 29, 2018 with pastor Valli Blair officiating.