Elke I. Peterson

Elke I. Peterson, 60, of Grant passed away Oct. 11, 2021, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.
She was born Sept. 27, 1961, at Frankfurt, Germany, to Lindol Swofford and Ingeborg (Diehl) Swofford. In January 1963, the family moved to Colorado with Elke’s brother, Mark Swofford; and sister, Liane Clark.
Elke graduated from high school in Aurora, Colorado, in 1979. She received her master’s degrees in gerontology and administration from the University of North Colorado, then worked in Arizona at various nursing homes. She loved working with the elderly.
When she lived in Lewistown, Montana, she became a certified coder for the Mental Health facility, volunteered at a Christian book store and helped on the Charlie Russell Choo Choo.  
On Aug. 21, 2016, Elke married Jonathan Peterson and the two would make their home in Grant. Elke worked at Perkins County Hospital, Country Supply and the Perkins County Christian School before taking a position at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado.
Elke’s life journey was such a compelling one for those who got to know her well. She experienced God’s grace and goodness in such a radical way that it transformed her life. Elke was joyful and had a servant’s heart. She had a way of drawing people in and had a keen sense for the wounds of others. In a special way, Elke gave of herself at the Perkins County Food Bank, which she was instrumental in running.
Elke was fluent in German, Spanish, and English, which allowed her to foster a special connection and friendship with the Christian community in Imperial.
For Elke, faith in Jesus made all the difference. To encounter the Lord meant true forgiveness, the reality of being unmoored from the shame and fear that comes with our struggle with sinfulness. Sure of the things she hoped for and certain of what she couldn’t see, the veil was lifted on Monday to reveal the cause for her joy and deepest longings.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lindol Swofford.
Survivors include her husband, Jon Peterson of Grant; mother, Ingaborg, of Marion, North Carolina; sister, Liane Clark (Doug) of Aurora Colorado; brother, Mark Swofford (Debbie) of Broomfield, Colorado; step children: Ben Hans Peterson of Portland Oregon, Nathan Charles Peterson (Samantha Lynn) of Jefferson City, Missoura, Elizabeth Shizuko Mastre (Trent Brian) of Grant, Sarah Amelia Ensz (Royce Lavern) of Grant and Michelle Arnold-Dennis of Missoula, Montana; grandchildren: Marley K Peterson, George Luis Rivero, Bronson Robert Peterson, Ahlaynali Kathryn Peterson, Charlotte Taylor Peterson, Lillian Rose Peterson, Ean Cyril Mastre, Alexis Shizuko Mastre, Zoe Lynn Mastre, Ross Brian Mastre, Sienna Sue Ensz, Brielle Jolene Ensz, Johann Darryl Ensz, Andrew Phillip Walter Aamold; along with many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Elke’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com where the service was streamed live.
Memorial services were held Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 19 at the Grant E-Free Church with Pastor Russ Gaar officiating.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.