Mary Lou Melde Peterson was born April 19, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Tom and Elaine Melde.

She grew up in South Salt Lake. She married Eugene Peterson September 9, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Granger, Utah for 17 years and moved to Clearfield, Utah in 1981. They were blessed with seven children, 18 grandchildren, and waiting for the 10th great-grandchild due April 30th. Mary Lou will celebrate her birthday at a later date.