PEGGY ANN DIESE

Peggy Ann Diese, 76, of Watervliet passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph.

Cremation has taken place and family services will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Peggy may be made to the Wounded Warrior’s Project. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Peggy was born December 15, 1944 in Memphis, Tenn. to Horace and Jessie (Lamb) Mynatt. As a teacher for over 40 years, Peggy loved teaching. She taught kindergarten at Our Lady of Fatima School in Galena Park, Texas before retiring and moving to Michigan to be closer to her sister. Peggy decided to go back to school and earn her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She worked for Tri-County Head Start and quickly became the Center Director then moved to the Migrant Head Start also as their Center Director.

Peggy loved spending time with her family and was very proud of everyone. In her free time she enjoyed dancing, Big Band music, listening to radio shows, traveling, and was a true Tigers baseball fan.

Survivors include her children: Margie Diese, Matthew (Tina) Diese, and Sandra (Spencer Jr.) Rawlins; grandchildren, Sarah Jim, Megan Diese, Trevor Diese, Spencer (Joy) Rawlins III, Samantha Rawlins, Nathan Rawlins (U.S. Navy), and Faith Rawlins. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Jack, Ella, and Oliver Rawlins; a sister, Rachel Hamilton; niece Michelle (Ray) Rennspies (U.S. Navy); nephews Terry Hamilton and Larry Hamilton; a great-niece Kalin Steltner; and great-nephew Jessy Wheeler (U.S. Navy).

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Wheeler, brother-in-law Bill Hamilton, nephew Michael Hamilton, and great-granddaughter Hadley Rawlins.