Laila Verna Peterson, 74 of Ontonagon, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Bayside Village in L'Anse, Michigan. She had been a resident there for only a few days following a stroke.

She was born in Lake Mine, Michigan to Matt and Ailie (Aari) Peterson on August 31, 1939. She attended school in Mass City until 1957 when family moved to Livonia, Michigan. Laila graduated from Livonia Bentley High School in 1958.

Laila was seriously injured in an accident when she was in Kindergarten, as a result she lived with her parents; in 1996 after her Mother died, she moved to Ontonagon. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ontonagon. She made hook latch rugs from kits as well as her own designs. She helped to serve the Senior meals at the Senior Center. She was very proud of the Certificate of Appreciation that she received for her help. She enjoyed shopping, visiting friends in the hospital, Long Term Care, and with residents of the Village.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother-in-law, Roy Howard. She is survived by her brothers, Norman and (special friend Mary Saaranen) Peterson, Nisula; Larry (Barbara) Peterson, Mass City; and sister, Florence Howard, Farmington Hills; nephews Matt Peterson, Roger Howard, Roy Howard, Jr. and nieces Lori Davis, Carrie (Bill) LaChance, and 3 grand-nieces, as well as several cousins.

Visitation will be 10am, Saturday, May 24, 2014 at St Paul's Lutheran Church, 107 E. River St. Ontonagon, MI. A Memorial service will be held at 11am with the Reverend Howard Neider officiating. Burial will be in the Alston Cemetery.