Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Peggy Anne Kirtley, 77, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Friday, August 23, 2024. Her life began October 22, 1946 in Wolf Lake, Indiana, the youngest of three children born to James “Bud” and Dorothy Hess.

She married William Philip “Bill” Kirtley September 14, 1968 in Coesse, Indiana. He preceded her in death just nine days shy of their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Peggy was quiet but mighty. She was a grandma to all of her granddaughters’ friends and opened her home to any one in need and taught by example. Peggy loved going for walks with the pup, Annie, and loved spending time outdoors, gardening and planting flowers. She was happy at home working on projects to surprise others with, whether it be a homemade quilt or an afghan. She looked forward to her weekly card games with the best friends, Sue Szymonski, Kelly Tony, Kath Morse, and Pam Casey.

Peggy will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Mike Bergen of Vandalia; her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Jennifer Kirtley of Cassopolis; one granddaughter, Avery Helen Bergen of Vandalia,; one brother, Richard (Nancy) Hess of Columbia City, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Janet McAllister of Lebanon, Missouri; a chosen son, John (Laurie) Wells of Tennessee; a chosen granddaughter Sarah Bussey of Missoula, Montana and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Kenneth Hess.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. for a graveside service in Young’s Prairie Cemetery, 19990 Quaker Street, Cassopolis, followed by a time of sharing memories and telling stories at the Old Vandalia School, 17397 Black Street in Vandalia.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Peggy be made to Rose Arbor Place of Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009-9423.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.