Elizabeth J. "Betty" Peterson Dewey

Elizabeth “Betty” J. Peterson Dewey, age 97, went home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2025, at Orchard Pointe Health Campus in Kendallville. She was born on January 28, 1928 to Frank T. & Amelia (Rose) Raubert. In 1991, she married Ellsworth Peterson. He preceded her in death. She later married Robert B. Dewey on September 9, 2011; he preceded her in death on August 13, 2017.

Betty was an industrious and active woman throughout her life. She was an owner of Ligonier Monument Company and Ligonier Poultry for many years. She was also an active member of the Ligonier Presbyterian Church and the Ligonier United Methodist Church. Her love for Ligonier and the community was unwavering. Betty and her friend Ruth Elijah were quite the duo, well into their eighties they took on the responsibility of making Ligonier a City of Murals. Their success in that project continues to enhance the town of Ligonier to this day with the town now being decorated with over three dozen murals, and counting.

Whether it was applying for grants or raising private funds, her determination to improve and keep her hometown’s history alive was unmatched. She enjoyed volunteering at the Ligonier Visitor's Center and even guided bus tours through town. Betty loved educating others on Ligonier’s history, a history that she is now a very special part of. She will be remembered well and missed much.

Betty is survived by; a daughter, Barbara (Keith) Leatherman of Albion; one son, Frank McDonald of Ligonier; nine grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Gloria McDonald of Kendallville, IN and her beloved cat, Cory.

She was preceded in death by; her parents; husband, Ellsworth Peterson; husband, Robert Dewey; one son, Martin McDonald.

There will be a time of visitation on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767.  A funeral service will be held in Betty’s honor on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00AM at the Ligonier Presbyterian Church, 407 S. Cavin St., Ligonier, IN 46767 with Pastor Kathy Kathary-Newton  officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

Memorial donations may be made to Ligonier Visitor’s Center and/or Ligonier Presbyterian Church.

 Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.