Elizabeth Ann Ziegler Peterson

Elizabeth Ann Ziegler Peterson, age 69, of Demorest, Georgia passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021.

Elizabeth Ann Ziegler Peterson (“Ann”) was born April 3, 1952 in the Panama Canal Zone to her parents, Captain Bryan W. Ziegler and Norda Willet Ziegler. Bryan’s Navy career took the family to Guam, California, Maryland and Virginia, where Ann graduated from high school.

She attended the University of Georgia and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Childhood Education, and she taught Special Education elementary students for two years.
Ann married the love of her life, Ricky R. Peterson, on December 21, 1973 in Bogart, Georgia. Ann stayed home to raise her four children, then became a licensed Certified Financial Planner. She authored books aimed at female financial independence, had a radio talk show and offered weekly financial advice through her local TV station.

Music was always important to Ann, whether it was singing in the church choir, playing handbells or teaching children’s choir. She was very involved in Christian ministries and multiple activities at her church, and was the Church Relations Team Coordinator for Northeast Georgia for Operation Christmas Child.  Art was also Ann’s passion. Since childhood, she enjoyed employing multiple mediums and communicated through her art. In retirement in Demorest, Ann became very involved in the local art community. She had a green thumb, and enjoyed gardening and sharing horticultural knowledge.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ricky Peterson.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy Kelly (Carl); her children, Tricia Howell (Jason), Sharon Gillespie (Jason), Ryan Peterson (Jennifer) and Laura Hill (Aaron); as well as her grandchildren, Emily, Katie & Bryan Howell, Carter & William Gillespie, and Hunter & Taylor Peterson. She is also survived by her stepmother, Flo Ziegler, and numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

Ann’s death on October 11, 2021 is our earthly loss but Heaven’s gain.

Visitation will be at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia at 2:00 p.m. on October 17, 2021 with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child (samaritanspurse.org/occ).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.