Charles Edward Peterson

Charles E. Peterson, 90, of Farmington, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Silverton, Colorado, on July 3, 1935, Charles lived a full and meaningful life dedicated to family, service, and the great outdoors. He served in the U.S. Navy and later built a career with the U.S. Forest Service in Montana as a firefighter and surveyor - roles that reflected his deep love and respect for nature.

Charles married the love of his life and partner of 70 years, Elaine Peterson, with whom he raised five children and built a strong, loving home. They moved to Farmington, NM in 1966. A devoted father and grandfather, he was known for his humor, stories, and strength.

He was a skilled craftsman and life-long learner who returned to college later in life at New Mexico State University, where he pursued a degree in management. While there, he discovered a passion for computers, and rekindled his love of math and science, especially algebra and organic chemistry.

He applied his education and skills as an employee of the New Mexico State Environment Department, where he built a meaningful and impactful career until his retirement.

His passion for computers led to his creation of a home “computer workshop” and an impressive personal genealogy archive. His decades-long dedication to researching and documenting family histories has helped preserve vital ancestral records, not only for his own descendants but for many others.

Charles was an avid outdoorsman, a storyteller, and a teacher of life’s simple joys. He enjoyed life, whether fishing a mountain stream, slicing a fresh peach from the backyard tree, or reminding his children to “always be actively engaged in a worthy cause.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Gene Peterson, his daughter Vicki Moffitt, and grandson Todd Peterson. He is survived by his beloved wife Elaine Peterson, children Pati Bettale (Mark), Charles Glen Peterson (Angie), Lori Williams (Jerry), and Heather Sobel (Ken), grandchildren Ryan Bettale (Melanie), Jennifer Middleton (Jon), Sean Moffitt (Crystal), Holly Gruette (Lewis), Veronica Peterson, Gavin Peterson, Misty Mittelstet (Ryan), Tasha Williams, Josh Williams, Levi Williams (Desiree), Tiffany Sensiba (Clay), Kelsea Getty (Trevor), Kaleb Williams (Heidi), Devan Manus, Mckaila Manus, great-grandchildren Elena Bettale, Harrison Middleton, Finn Middleton, Elijah Hansen, Nathan Hansen, Jarom Hansen, Samuel Hansen, Joshua Hansen, Teancum Williams, Taymon Williams, Tatum Williams, Kinley Sensiba, Madeleine Sensiba, Trevor Getty, Evelyn Getty, Niklaus Coriz, Malakai Farmer and many loved ones who continue to be inspired by his enduring legacy.

A celebration of Charles’s life will be held on December 18, 2025, at 10:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (4400 College Blvd, Farmington NM) where stories, love, and laughter will be shared in his honor. A virtual attendance option is also available. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84988047623?pwd=ZwHXmfqti3ZHbbS37cbct8LPHCbuqp.1

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to spend time in nature, tell a great story, or lend a helping hand - just as Charles would have done.