Esther Mae Frank Peterson, 85, of Culbertson died Jan. 2, 2025, at Sidney Health Center. She was born Jan. 19, 1939, in Dodge, N.D., to Leonard and Elsie (Entzel) Frank, the only daughter among five brothers. She was born at home on the family's farm where she grew up helping care for the farm and her younger brothers. The family moved to Sidney when she was in middle school. After graduating from Sidney High School in 1957, she began her career as a telephone operator with Mountain States Telephone Company. It was during this time that she met Allen Peterson of Culbertson. On Nov. 15, 1959, the two were married and began their lives together in Culbertson, where they raised three children: Paula, Darin and Kelly. On Nov. 15, 2024, the couple celebrated 65 years of marriage by renewing their wedding vows at the Sidney Health Center chapel. Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She took immense pride in every milestone, whether it was a game, concert or school event. One of her fondest memories was when her children came home to visit. Her life was marked by service to others. She remained close to the friends she made as a phone operator, participated in the Red Hat Society, and volunteered at the local food bank, Trinity Lutheran Church and WELCA. She took great joy in her work on