Susan Garver Bolte Peterson, 80, passed away November 20, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia, surrounded by family.
Susan was born June 23, 1945, to James and Virginia (Carson) Garver, in Richmond, Virginia.
A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, and friend to all, Susan grew up in Kansas and graduated from Severy High School (Severy, Greenwood County) before attending Kansas State University. Her curiosity and zest for learning continued throughout her life, leading her to pursue an eclectic range of interests including accounting, Ryukyu Kempo selfdefense, entrepreneurship, woodwor k i n g , and American Red Cross lifeguard training.
Susan discovered a passion for wheat weaving when a friend needed one more student for a class. What began as a favor quickly became an extraordinary talent. She developed her own patterns, taught classes, published books, and became recognized for her skill. In 1993, she was invited to create wheat-woven angel ornaments to adorn the White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room—an honor and joy she cherished. Substitute teaching, truck driving, and bus driving rounded out her many talents.
Susan was married to Al Bolte on February 14, 1965, with whom she had two children, Sarah and Seth. The Boltes were divorced in 1992.
Susan entered into her second marriage on September 8, 1995, when she wed Harvey Peterson in Westminster, CO.
Susan is survived by her husband, Harvey Pet erson ; children , Sarah Chun (Kenny) and Seth Bolte (Erin Dahlin); grandchildren, Abigail, Philip, Timothy, and Amelia Chun, and Aidan and Avery Bolte; siblings, Jim Garver (Melinda), Frank Garver (Ginny), Lucy Reid (Mike), Francie Copeland (Bill), and Dan Garver (Sue), as well as many, many nieces and nephews.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held in Spring, 2026, in Leoti, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wichita County Community Foundation, PO Box 135, Leoti, KS 67861.
