Jenevieve Idella Peasley

Jenevieve Idella “Dilly” Peasley passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, at St. Charles Hospital in Redmond, Oregon, at the age of 92.
Idella was born on August 28, 1933, in Columbus, North Dakota, to Ingel and Julia (Brusven)Toso. She was the middle of three children, with an older brother, Kenny, and a much younger brother, Ivan. Despite the years between them, the three siblings remained close throughout their lives.
In 1943, at the age of 10, her family moved to Minnesota, where they farmed near Pelican Rapids, Fergus Falls, and Rothsay. Life on the farm instilled in Idella a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple blessings of family. She graduated from Rothsay High School in 1951.
After graduation, Idella took a job at the Viking Café, where she met Adeline Peasley. Adeline introduced her to her brother, Murrel, beginning a love story that would shape the rest of Idella’s life. Shortly after they met, Murrel was drafted into the Korean War. Though separated by thousands of miles, they faithfully exchanged letters that deepened their love and commitment to one another. When Murrel returned home, they were married on January 15, 1955.
Together, Idella and Murrel built a life rooted in love, faith, and perseverance. They began farming near Erhard, Minnesota, where they welcomed five children: Linda, Kevin, Skeet, Wade, and Brenda. In 1966, they moved west to Hines, Oregon, where they established deep roots in the community they would proudly call home for the next six decades. In 1972, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Teresa, completing their family of six children.
Idella devoted herself to raising her family and creating a home where love, faith, and kindness were evident in everyday life. She was an active member of Tonseth Lutheran Church in Minnesota and later Peace Lutheran Church in Burns, Oregon, where she taught Sunday school, participated in Ladies Aid, and faithfully served her church family.
As her children grew older, she began working outside the home as a motel receptionist and later in the laundry room. She treasured the friendships she made over the years and remained close to many of those she worked alongside.
As her family grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Idella became the cherished matriarch of the family. She was the steady presence who brought everyone together, preserving traditions, sharing stories, and reminding each generation of the importance of family. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcomed, loved, and always had a seat at the table.
Proud of her Norwegian heritage, Idella lovingly carried on family traditions, especially at Christmastime. Her kitchen became a gathering place where generations made lefse, sandbakkels, and many other treasured Norwegian recipes together. More than meals, these traditions created cherished memories and became a lasting gift she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Music was another of Idella’s great joys. Charlie Pride was her favorite for many years until Alan Jackson captured her heart. One of her happiest memories was celebrating her 80th birthday at an Alan Jackson concert. Even in her later years, music was always playing, and she could often be found smiling, tapping her feet, and dancing in her chair—a simple image that perfectly reflected the joy with which she lived her life.
Idella is survived by her children: Linda Dobson of Reno, Nevada; Kevin (Julie) Peasley of Burns, Oregon; Wade (Mel) Peasley of Burns, Oregon; Brenda (Mark) Schouviller of Burns, Oregon; and Teresa (Jake) Glerup of San Diego, California. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Darrel (Linda) Peasley of Burns, Oregon; her sister-in-law, Pat Peasley of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; her lifelong friend and classmate, Donna Glass of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 58 years, Murrel; her son, Skeet; her parents, Ingel and Julia Toso; her brothers, Kenny and Ivan; and her son-in-law, Duane Dobson.
Idella will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her greatest legacy is the family she so deeply loved. Through the traditions she preserved, the values she lived, and the unconditional love she shared, her influence will continue for generations to come.
Memorial contributions in Idella's memory may be made to Peace Lutheran Church in Burns, Oregon.