Letter: Family reflections on Peggy Ann Bowyer

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Click here for Peggy Ann Young Bowyer’s obituary.

Peggy Ann Bowyer (Young) lived a long life and devoted herself to raising her children through various bumps, bruises, and more than a few broken limbs. Ever resourceful, she taught herself how to can and freeze vegetables from the family’s large garden and her freezer jam (grape, strawberry, peach, and black raspberry) was much enjoyed by her family.

She always had her embroidery basket nearby and, as time permitted, would embroidery bibs, baby blankets, table scarves, samplers, and tablecloths to give as gifts. She was known for her cookie baking; during the holidays, she spent hours in the kitchen making dozens of cookie varieties which she shared with friends, family, and neighbors.

If you were fortunate enough to visit when she had cookies in the freezer, you could be certain to leave with a package or two when you left. When she wasn’t baking or embroidering, she enjoyed reading mysteries and Amish-themed books.

During her life, she amassed a large collection of salt and pepper shakers, an effort that began when she was in high school. Her husband Ken supported her by building cabinets in which to house the ever-growing collection; at last count, she had over 4,000 pairs of S&Ps.

She loved to whistle and could be heard whistling Christmas tunes in the heat of the summer.

She was always a willing babysitter for her grandchildren and wasn't above getting down on the floor to play with them. In later years, she enjoyed going to toy shows with her late husband Ken – she was always searching for a penny bank while he was on the lookout for a new toy tractor. She will be missed but her pain is gone and for that we are thankful.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local hospice in her honor. They also request that you take time to bake a batch or two of cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbors.

Peggy’s family

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