"I wish to express by condolences to your family. I was so sad to learn of Peggy's passing. We were classmates at St. Luke's School of Nursing. I loved her sense of humor and she was a gem. I will miss seeing her at our class reunions."
In loving memory of
Peggy Clarahan
May 3, 1946 - May 22, 2020
OTTUMWA-Peggy Colleen Clarahan, age 74, of Ottumwa, died Friday, May 22, 2020, at Ridgewood Specialty Care in Ottumwa.
Peggy was born May 3, 1946, in Harper, to John and Ellene (Huber) Clarahan. She grew up in Harper, graduated from Sigourney High School, obtained her RN at Coe College in Cedar Rapids and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Buena Vista College. She married Jerry Gray in 1966 and they were later divorced. Peggy was a nurse at St. Luke's Hospital, a Doctor's office and Imperial Clevite before working for the State of Iowa in farm safety and occupational health. She was a member of the Historical Society in Prairie City and volunteered with the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. Peggy enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling, genealogy and history.
Survivors include two daughters: Kari (Mike) Mortensen and Kristi Gray; eight grandchildren: Beth (Derrick) Steinkuehler, Ben Grulke, Jenne (Brans) Malcom, Amanda (Sean) Bloomfield, Kris Christensen, Elle (Jake) Damon, Neil (Jade) Damon and Whitne Wessel; 16 great grandchildren: Tegan, Talia, Rhys, Jennevieve, Casey, Lillian, Violet, Ean, Avery, Jacob, William, Ember, Essence, John, Ben and CJ and two brothers: Pat (Barb) Clarahan and Mike Clarahan. She was preceded in death by her parents and two granddaughters: Victoria and Veronica.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney, with Rev. Nick Needham officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery near Sigourney. There will be no visitation.
A memorial fund has been established for the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Peggy and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Thoughts and prayers for Peggy's family during this time. I spent time with Peggy while she worked for the Care for Yourself Program at the Iowa Department of Public Health."
"I so enjoyed being on the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Board of Directors with Peggy. We spent a lot of hours on various projects and events. Especially enjoyed working with her on some of the history projects. And in Prairie City, she lived just two blocks from me, so was good to see her often. Peggy will be greatly missed. My sympathy to all of her family. Joan Van Gorp Prairie City, IA"
"Peggy held a special place in my life and heart. Her family lived next door to mine at the Natural Gas Station in Harper. I was excited when she was born as I had 3 brothers and wanted a sister. Peggy was born on May 3rd when I was 9 years old. I felt a bit of pride that that baby girl was going to be living next door and wished that she had waited 1 more day to be born. My birthday is May 4th. Over the years, she and I stayed in contact. Peggy and her daughters and some granddaughters made a visit to Nashville, TN. Keri brought Peggy out to visit me. I live outside of Nashville. I treasured hat visit and felt blessed that they took time from all of the fun, to spend some time with me. I finally got my own sister, but that was not until 5 years later. I always also treasured that fact that Peggy became a nurse, that was my path also. Maybe I truly did own a tiny place as a sort of big sister. Dorothy Conklin Stahl"
"Sincere condolences. Peggy was my nurse & public health friend & colleagues. She was dedicated to her clients , had a beautiful smile & wicked sense of humor. Good memories always. Gloria Vermie"
"We have wonderful memories of Peggy, she organized the Clarahan reunion...We came from Canmore, Alberta, Canada and she made us so welcome. We met so many cousins and shared so many memories. Peggy was so special to us. Geraldine, Stan and Joe Clarahan"
"Dear Kari and Kristi and family, Peggy was a classmate (SHS '63) of mine and she will be remembered as a sweet friendly loving person with a goal of being a nurse. When she worked for the State she would stop in the office and visit...I enjoyed OUR VISITS and so glad she took the time to do that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we offer peace and comfort to you as you mourn the loss of your Mom. Marilyn Wehr Platner"