Leila Mae (Shaffer) Peterson Welker

Leila “Tootie” Peterson Welker, 95, lifelong resident of Somerset County, died on Oct. 14, 2024 in Annapolis, MD, where she lived out her final years near her son and his family. Born Feb. 1, 1929 in Windber, daughter of Irvin and Leila (Fyock) Shaffer. Preceded in death by her parents, first husband Robert A. Peterson, second husband Cloyd “Bud” W. Welker Jr., grandson Michael McClemens, and step son-in-law Bradley Brant. Leila is survived by her large immediate family to include son Robert D. Peterson and wife Ruth (May) of Annapolis, MD, her daughter Karen and husband James McClemens of Maitland FL, grandchildren Robert D. Peterson Jr. and Julie (Stone), Eric J. Peterson and Dawn (Corby), and John M. Peterson and Katy (Donovan), Christopher McClemens and Kathi-Lee, Amy (McClemens) and Carl D. Allen, eleven great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepson Kim Welker and wife Brenda, stepson Randy Welker and wife Marji, and stepdaughter Cindy (Welker) Brant; step-grandchildren Adam and Ashley Brant, Amy (Welker) Teel, and Wendie Riley; and 1 step great grandchild. Leila was a 1946 graduate of Windber High School. She held several jobs throughout her life and retired from her job as a chief clerk at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. She was an active member of the Friedens Lutheran Church, where she volunteered in the church office and the quilting group. Family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Friedens Lutheran Church, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday. Rev. John Barichivich officiating. Private interment Berkey Cemetery, Windber. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Friedens Lutheran Church Ministry Fund, 131 S. Main St., Friedens, PA 15541. Arrangements entrusted to Deaner Funeral Home, Stoystown. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com