January 26, 2024
Margaret “Peggy” Bontrager, 81 of Smithville, TN and formerly of Darien Center, NY sadly passed on to Heaven to be an Angel of GOD, January 21, 2024 with her loving husband of 62 years by her bedside, holding her hand and singing, “Have I told you lately that I love you” and “You are my Sunshine”, both songs which meant a lot to each other of them.
Peggy was preceded in death by her Father, William Buyers and her Mother, Charlotte (Austin) Buyers and her brother, Gary. Peggy is survived by her youngest brother, Robert Buyers of PA, her loving husband, Eugene, their dog and companion BABY and their 5 children; Steven (Letisha), Shelly (partner) Donald, Sherry (Shawn) Choate, Brian (Marcia) and Guy (Jennifer), her grandchildren, Erica, Casey and Nickolas, Kyle, Klint, and Wyatt, and Kelli (Benny), Casey and Andrew, her great-grandchildren, Alex, Connor, Nicholas, Cooper, Brooklyn and Chance. Peggy also left behind several Nieces and Nephews along with their families and survived by her dearest sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Rhonda.
Peggy was a devoted wife, mother and friend, she helped raise their children while working at Greenwoods Restaurant in Darien and returning to College to become a Registered Nurse. Afterwards, she helped Gene run their business, Ringneck Hunting Preserve, where she met, entertained and laughed with the hunters and their families. All of whom became very good friends. She was always helping others as she so often helped her children.
Peggy loved to travel when given the opportunity. Traveling to St. Kitts with the “clan”, Cruising to the Caribbean and vacationing in Florida were among her favorites. Peggy also loved to sit and play penny slots at the Casino and at times, winning thousands of Pennies!
Peggy did not want a funeral with a Casket to gaze at, but instead chose to have a Celebration of Life with family and friends, singing and laughing, remembering when she was vibrant and healthy. Peggy did not like to be the center of attention though her smile and kindness always gave her away.
The family will be determining a future Celebration of Life in the Spring when the Sun is warm and the Flowers are in bloom, at a later date, most likely in Darien NY. The family will be having an open house on Sunday, January 28, 2024 for any friends and family who wish to visit the family all day at her home. All will be welcome. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Bontrager family.