Peggy Showalter

The sun did come up, but the world is a little darker because Peggy Showalter is no longer with us.  She died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on March 15, 2024, at the age of eighty-eight.

Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1935, the daughter of W.H. (Bill) Monroe and Esther (Strickler) Monroe.  Peggy was raised in Ray County, Missouri graduating from Orrick High School in 1953.  

After graduating, she married the love of her life, Paul Kenneth Showalter on May 23, 1954.  They happily celebrated over 60 years of married life.  The newly married couple left for China Lake, CA where Paul began his career in the US Navy.  During the first 30 years of their marriage Paul was often away on temporary duty and training missions.  While he was gone Peggy was responsible for the entire household.  This included plumbing, electrical, auto maintenance and repair along with the occasional childhood illness. During the following 30 years Paul vowed to make up for all the responsibly she had assumed and pampered her for all his remaining years. He passed away in 2015.

From California to Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia, Kansas and beyond Peggy enjoyed being a Navy wife.  She considered every move an opportunity to become part of another community, decorate a new home and visit different areas of the country. She became so accustomed to relocating that she and Paul moved three times in Lawrence alone.

Over the years she was employed at various offices.  Her favorite occupation was being an at home mom to her three children for 20 years.  Whatever the need in the classroom, her offspring were the first to raise their hand and proclaim, “My mom can do it.”  All three had an unwavering conviction in her creativity, abilities and patience.

After Peggy’s children were older, she became an administrative assistant at the Institute for Learning Disabilities at The University of Kansas.  She enjoyed her almost 20 years working with wonderful people, many becoming lifelong friends.

Born and raised in the “Show Me” state. After moving to Lawrence, she never looked back with her team allegiance. Along with Paul, she became an extreme Jayhawk fan.  Traveling to nearly every basketball game both home and away during the 80s, 90s and beyond. Enjoying old friends and meeting new ones. They kept track of the years KU went to the Final Four using their grandson’s birth years. All but two were born in a Final Four season. It was said if the Hawks played on Saturn, Peggy & Paul would find a way to get there.

Peggy had strong progressive opinions and knowledge about government and politics.  An avid reader believing the concept that “all politics is local” and voted at every opportunity.  During the last national election, she was not able to go to the polls in person.  Although she insisted being driven to drop off her ballot in the box herself.  It was her lifelong belief that the Electoral College was misguided and should be reconsidered.  She requested that opinion be included in her obituary.

A doting grandma, she seldom missed any activity in which her grandkids participated.  Peggy was famous for her Halloween costumes which the children loved.  She was their greatest fan in every sense of the word. 

Her grandchildren include Morgan Showalter of Tuscon, AZ (Nichole), Michael Monroe of Lawrence, KS (Benet), Cooper Gish, Lawrence, KS, Carter Gish, Dallas, TX, Camille Mars, Sarasota, FL (Eric), Garrett Mars, Tallahassee, FL, Skyler Mars, Lakewood Ranch, FL and Quintin Mars, Lakewood Ranch, FL.

She is survived by her daughters Paula Gish of Tonganoxie, KS (Stephen) and Deirdre (DeeDee) Mars of Lakewood Ranch, FL (Stephen). 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, brother Philip Daniel, sister Patricia and beloved son, David Kent.  

Peggy’s family will meet with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, in Baldwin City.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at Ives Chapel Methodist in Baldwin City.  Following service interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in Peggy’s name.  Donations may be made c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lamb-roberts.com.

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