Terry Lyn Peterson
July 1, 1948 ~ February 19, 2026
Born in: Kingman, Kansas
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
Terry Lyn Peterson, 77, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Born on July 1, 1948, in Kingman, Kansas, to Ernie and Hazel Holder, Terry grew up with a deep love for family — a devotion that remained at the heart of her life. On June 30, 1974, she married the love of her life, Gary Lee Peterson. Together they built a strong and faithful marriage, raised four children, and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and treasured memories.
Terry proudly owned and operated Hair Craft for 17 years and continued serving clients from her home for many years afterward. To her, cosmetology was never simply a career; it was a ministry of connection. Her chair was a place of conversation, comfort, and lasting friendship. She was known for her keen eye, her skillful hands, and her honest opinions — especially when it came to hair.
Terry had a true servant’s heart. She lovingly cared for her mother after her father’s passing and later devoted herself to caring for Gary in their later years. Among her greatest joys was being a grandmother. She adored her ten grandchildren and had a remarkable gift for making each person feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Hazel Holder, and her brother, Jack Holder.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Lee Peterson; her children, Marla Gatley of Key West, Florida; Greg (Chris) Peterson of Charlotte, North Carolina; Melissa (Mike) Hatchett of Littleton, Colorado; and Kevin (Lachelle) Peterson of Wichita, Kansas; along with her beloved grandchildren; Logan Gatley, Dylan Gatley, Tyler Gatley, Sarah Peterson, Cailin Peterson, Garyn Peterson, Madison Hatchett, Mackenzie Hatchett, Rylea (Peterson) Bockover and Reese Peterson
A Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Memorials have been established with: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212 and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, 8101 W. Central Ave., Wichita, KS 67212.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel.
Services
Rosary: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 10:00 am
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4404
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 10:30 am
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4404
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Terry Lyn Peterson 's name.
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
8101 W. Central Avenue
Wichita,
KS
67212
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 North Socora
Wichita,
KS
67212
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Sending our love and prayers.
Dear Gary and family,
Terry was a wonderful friend and will be very much missed. We will fondly remember her generous spirit and kindness to our family. When we saw her last Thursday she had a smile on her face, hugged us and kissed us goodbye. Will always remember her that way. Love, Don and Becky
🙏Karen Tones
Terry and I became friends at Hadley Jr. High. I will never be able to hear her name without it putting a smile on my face. So many memories and so much fun. We were shuffleboard champions at West and we were on a bowling league at Hadley. Slumber parties that became infamous. Always that sweet big smile and a laugh I loved. My favorite memory is of her getting her drivers license. She wanted to be able to “peel out” and wanted me to help her learn. I didn’t even have a license but we took off in her parents (I think it was new) beautiful bright red convertible. We laughed and laughed. Her heart was always the best. A kind, caring young woman who grew to be a great woman. Heaven got a good one. I’m so glad to have had her in my life. Prayers to the family she cherished
Cindy Hamby Stephenson
West High 1966 with Terry
Janeen Miller
Love you,
Angie