Stephen Ray Peterson, 91, of Xenia, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at his residence. He was born September 23, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Ray and Bessie (Stephenson) Peterson. He was a 1952 graduate of Xenia Central High School, a veteran of the United States Army, was a farmer for 19 years and retired from Dayton Power & Light. He was a member of First Church of Christ, Xenia, and had formerly attended Eleazer United Methodist Church for many years. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite D. “Peggy” (Brown) Peterson, whom he married Feb. 2, 1957; 2 sons, Robert (Laura) Peterson, Stephen (Mary Pat) Peterson; a daughter, Debra (Bryan) Mardis; eight grandchildren, Robert (Jade) Peterson, Jr., Natalie (David) Folino, Melanie (Bennie) LaPrade, Theresa (Mike) Via, Kevin Peterson, Brian (Calvin) Rizzo, Alex Mardis and Brynna Mardis; thirteen great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Avery, Breclyn, Genevieve, Bianca, Giselle, Oscar, Shelby, Arthur, Jesse, Rowan, Mallory and Margo; and many nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barbara Bowman. Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, April 9th at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia, with visitation prior from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Burial in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Greene County FISH Food Pantry, 774 Cincinnati Ave., Xenia 45385. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.