Paul E Peters

PAUL ELLSWORTH PETERS

February 19, 1921-April 25, 2022

Paul Ellsworth Peters, age 101 of Monroe, MI passed away peacefully on April 25, 2022 under the care of Wellspring Lutheran Services, Monroe, MI, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.    

Born February 19, 1921 in Pittsburgh, PA., Paul was the son of John and Bessie Peters.  Paul graduated in 1939 from Mt Lebanon High School in Mt. Lebanon, PA.   In the fall of 1939, Paul traveled to Adrian, MI where he would attend Adrian College and was a member of the football team. 

While in Adrian, he would meet the love of his life, Virginia Marie Pearce.  On December 31, 1941 they were married in Napoleon, OH.  The couple remained in Adrian until 1947 when they would move to Monroe.  They resided in Monroe until present day where they raised their four children.  They were happily married for the next 79 years until Virginia’s passing on February 1, 2021 at the age of 97.    

Paul joined the City of Monroe Police Department in 1950 and rose through the ranks over time to become Chief of Police in 1970.   During his tenure with the Police Department, he would attend and graduate in October 1962 from the F.B.I. Academy in Washington D.C.  In addition, he served as Traffic Engineer for the city from 1966-1979.  He would retire as Chief of Police in 1979 after 29 ½ years of service.  

In 1980, Paul began working for the County of Monroe as First District Court Magistrate.  He would hold that position for 12 years before finally retiring in 1992.  Paul took great pride in his work and enjoyed serving the community of Monroe for over 41 years.

In 1952, Paul and Virginia became members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.  Paul was an active member of the congregation and could be found for many years welcoming church members as a greeter or leading the dishwashing and back of house activities for salad luncheons and funeral dinners while Virginia coordinated and cooked.  

During his retirement Paul loved to play golf, walk, and garden.  He and Virginia enjoyed eating out, playing cards and spending time with their family.  Paul was a loving husband, Father and Grandfather.  He will be missed dearly.

Paul is survived by their four children:   Douglas (Janet) Peters of Monroe, Susan (Charles) Whitbread of Lambertville, MI, Gregory (Colleen) Peters of Toledo, OH, and David (Vicki) Peters of Monroe, MI.   Seven Grandchildren: Ellen (Greg) Sobota, Tracy (Jeff) Petricca, Jennifer (Alex) Young, Sean (Katie) Peters, Megan (Zach) Stiffler, McKenzie Peters, and Kayla Peters. They also have 9 Great Grandchildren. 

In addition to his wife, Paul was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.

Paul will lie in state at St Paul’s United Methodist Church, in Monroe on Friday at 10:00 a.m.  Funeral service will follow at 11:00.   Burial will take place at Fairfield Cemetery in Adrian, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Paul can be made to St Paul’s United Methodist Church in Monroe.  Online condolences and words of comfort may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com