Eleanor "Faye" Peterson, of Villa Ridge, Missouri, passed away in the presence of her family on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 88 years. She was born in Vienna, Missouri, on March 13, 1937; the daughter of Elbert and Effie "Belva" (Curtis) James.

Faye, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, was united in marriage to the love of her life, Roger Peterson, in Fenton on October 15, 1955.

She was an elementary school teacher, serving her entire career of twenty-five years at Woerther Elementary School in Ballwin. After her retirement, she and Roger enjoyed vacationing in Florida and eventually moving there for a few years before returning to Missouri. She loved the beach and especially cherished family vacations.

Family time was special to Faye; for more than sixty years, she and Roger met her siblings for dinner every Saturday night. She especially enjoyed the time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Belva James; brothers, Jessie Frank James and Rickey James; and sisters, Patricia James and Bertie Mullins.

Faye is survived by her loving husband of seventy years, Roger Peterson, of Villa Ridge; three daughters, Sheri Peterson and Steven Stolle, of St. Clair, Peggy Reeves and husband Jim, of Florida, and Connie Peterson and Mike Loepker, of St. Clair; three brothers, Bill James and wife Donna, of Cedar Hill, Galen James, of Fenton, and Keith James and wife Anne, of Oklahoma; one sister, Debbie Beckmann and husband Bob, of Villa Ridge; grandchildren, Kinzi Duban, of Bowling Green, and Samantha Kauffman, of Affton; great-grandchildren, Abbi, Hanna, Ty, De'Prisha, and Elika; other relatives, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The James Cemetery (c/o Carole Ragan).