By Julie Johansen
Over the weekend, Hugh and Shonna Maxfield Peterson celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Their relationship began in first grade when Shonna threw a rock on the playground and hit Hugh in the head. Their friendship continued throughout their school years and on Dec. 3, 1949, following their graduation, they were married at Hugh’s parent’s home in Emery. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti temple on March 15, 1958.
Hugh and Shonna lived in a one-room home for the first 18 months of their lives together and later moved to their present home. They have lived in Emery all of their lives in just two homes.
They are the parents of six daughters, Loretta (Gail) Grundvig, Elaine (Richard) Grange, Colleen (David) Bott, Maxine (Jack) Fielder, Louise (Paul) Venturella and Joyce (Tim) Frost, both deceased; thus the nickname of “Petticoat Junction” for the Peterson home. The husbands of the girls have been affectionately called “MOES,” Men of the Emery Sisters.
Hugh and Shonna have 34 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Dancing has always been an important part of their lives. The theme of the 70th anniversary celebration was “May I Have This Dance?” They requested no gifts but rather that each of those attending would dance one dance while there. Of course, all family and friends attending obliged.
Hugh, born Jan. 17, 1931, and Shonna, born Oct. 7, 1931, continue to dance every time they get a chance, which helps to keep them 88 years young.