Peri Jo Bebe Peterson
February 26, 1993 - July 2, 2026
Peri Jo Bebe Peterson passed away this July in her home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Peri Jo was born on February 26th, 1993 in Elko, Nevada, to Shamarie McDermitt and Ross Peterson. She spent much of her childhood running around the Elko County Fairgrounds, goat-tyin’ and admiring her big brother Les from the other side of the fence while he competed in team ropin.’ It is hard to imagine Peri as a child (or even as an adult) without picturing a kitten or two following close behind her out in the brush. Her “rough & tumble” upbringing in the desert, love for counterculture, music, and art informed her effortless approach to everyday outfits. Even the interior spaces of her life were riddled with unique objects that were masterfully curated. She always had an eye for design.
After Peri graduated from Elko High School in 2011, she moved to Reno to dabble in school but eventually made her way to Salt Lake City, where she spent years working in rehabilitation centers and tattoo shops, continuing to inspire those around her with wisdom-beyond-years and a unique perspective on life. Those who hung around her knew they were in for a belly full of laughter or a noteworthy story, for Peri brought intensity to all things worthwhile.
A few paragraphs are not enough to effectively depict all that made Peri Jo, Peri Jo. She was bigger than this life, and the loyalty she had for those she loved will never be recreated. We were so very lucky to have known her.
She is survived by her parents: Marty and Sham Eldridge, Ross Peterson, as well as her brother, Lester Peterson, and sister, Genevieve Peterson. She is preceded in death by her grandma Pearl Rutherford, her grandfather Tom Eldridge, and her Nonni Giuliana Murphy. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.
In Loving Memory
Queen your departure was way too soon for ever in our hearts
Peri Jo was a force to be reckoned with. I had the great honor of knowing her for a number of years. She knew just how to lighten the mood when needed, call you out if you needed it, and she damn sure never allowed anybody to be backed into a corner in her presence. She always stood up for the underdog, and used her voice to elevate those who were silenced. Her legacy will live on for many lifetimes to come. My condolences to you and yours. I know I will be mourning the loss of this miraculous soul for some time.
What a beautiful spirit! To have Peri Jo in class or an extra curricular activity was a delight. She was a blessing. Condolences and hugs.
Peri was my ride-or-die for a couple of years in high school. She was intense with her loyalty to those in her circle, her opinions, and, when the moment called for it, her laughter. While our chapter closed many years ago, I still hold the memories of those wild years very close to my heart. Love you, PJ, rest easy.
In Loving Memory
