Peggy Ann Matthews, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away suddenly on Thursday February 15, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.
Peggy was born Peggy Ann Woodyard to Melvin and Harriett (Baxter) Woodyard on August 12, 1952, in Marysville, Kansas. The oldest of eight children, she grew up as a great help to her parents and graduated from Westmoreland High School in 1970. She went on to attend Manhattan Area Vocational-Technical School in 1971 while she worked at a local taco restaurant – in what would become a family tradition, of sorts.
After meeting at that taco shop in June 1971, Peggy was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life William (Bill) Matthews on June 3, 1972. They welcomed their son, Eric in 1975 and daughter, Staci in 1979.
While waiting a little bit to start a family, Peggy began work at Kansas State University in 1971; not realizing she would never have another employer in her working life. At K-State she worked in the Office of Admissions, University Facilities, and finally the Physics Department, where she spent 36 years before retiring with honors and many accolades in 2019, to the deep disappointment of many.
But Peggy had other things she wanted to do! Eric married Amy in 1996 and Staci married Mike in 2004, but in 2010 the arrival of her granddaughter Eliza changed her life forever again. Peggy was the best grandma and she spent countless hours with Eliza doing everything under the sun.
Peggy had many hobbies such as reading, gardening, and watching detective shows on TV but most of all she loved doing things that enabled her to spend time with others. Traveling with Bill by Harley, Corvette, or airplane. Taking trips with her family and friends. Seeing live music in concert with people she loved. Finding a new Santa for her ever-growing collection. Going to craft fairs and antique shops, watching nieces play sports or dance. Meeting people for lunch or dinner. Volunteering at the hospital. Peggy gave of herself and everyone was lucky to have known her.
Peggy is survived by her beloved husband Bill, of the home, son Eric and daughter in law Amethyst (Amy) of Manhattan, daughter Staci and husband Michael (Mike) of Lenexa, granddaughter Eliza, sisters Joyce, Delores, Becky (Tom), and Melvida (Jack), and brothers Melvin (Kathy) and Daryl (Cathy). She was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Harriett, sister Geraldine (Jake), and her parents in law Walter and Genevieve (Genny, nee McClure) Matthews.
The family will greet friends during a visitation on Thursday February 22, 2024 from 6:00 until 8:00p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday February 23, 2024 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
She was well liked, she was absolutely loved, and she will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to the Via Christi Foundation or the American Red Cross in her honor. Donations can be sent in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.