Our dear father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and beloved friend, Ardell Clifford Peterson of Hermiston, peacefully passed away and returned home on the morning of Aug. 28, 2026 in Kennewick, Wash. While our hearts are sad, we are grateful for his positive influence on his family and friends and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Ardell was born in Great Falls, Mont. on May 2, 1937. He was the oldest of Clifford and Clarabelle Peterson‘s five children. His childhood and youth were spent growing up in the wheat fields of Arrow Creek, Mont. He had a great love for hunting and fishing and was helpful in the garden and on the family farm.
After high school, Ardell moved to Pendleton in 1957, and it was there that he met a young lady that lived across the street named Dorothy Ruth Turner. During this time, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After dating, Ardell and Dorothy were sealed in the Manti Temple on Jan. 19, 1963. While living in Pendleton, their two sons, Curtiss and Marty, were born.
After a two-year battle with leukemia, Dorothy passed away on April 19, 1977. Ardell later met Phyllis Willits, and they were married in Hermiston on July 19, 1980. Ardell and Phyllis merged their families and Ardell welcomed Renee, Rick, and Ryan.
Ardell enjoyed a variety of jobs including time at the Ford dealership, police reserves, and helping with the Pendleton Roundup. His love of trains from his childhood, however, led him to a career as a carman for Union Pacific Railroad at the Hinkle facility, just south of Hermiston. This facilitated their move from Pendleton to Hermiston, where he retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 30-plus years of service. After retiring, Ardell loved riding motorcycles around the many country roads of eastern Oregon and participating in the teddy bear ride.
Ardell is survived by his wife, Phyllis and his sons, Curtiss (Tami), Ryan (Tamara) Willits, and Marty (Shelley).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Clarabelle Peterson; his wife, Dorothy Ruth Turner Peterson; his sister, Norma Arleen Peterson; his stepson, Rick Willits; and stepdaughter, Renee Willits Homer.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 850 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
We are so appreciative of all the doctors and nurses who cared for Ardell. A special thank you to Cherry Creek Adult Family Home and the hospice providers of Heartlink, who helped him heal and thrive during his last few weeks of life.
Please share memories of Ardell with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
