Peggy Lawler

PEGGY MARIE LAWLER, 92, of Paxton, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Peggy was born in Paxton in 1930 to Raul and Mary (Sale) Heiser. She graduated from Paxton High School.

Peggy married Jim Lawler on September 26, 1949, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton. The couple made their home on the Lawler homestead, and their union was blessed with three daughters. They farmed and raised cattle on that same homestead for their entire married lives.

Peggy was a mainstay at St. Patrick's Catholic Church over the years, serving as accompanist and vocalist for Sunday Mass, weddings, and funerals. It was the perfect role for her, as she had both a deep love for God and music.

Peggy was both strong and resilient. She was throwing 50 lb feed sacks around and chasing cattle well into her 80s. Peggy also knew what she liked and wasn't timid about speaking her mind, yet she was well known for her gregariousness and radiant smile. She had an eye for both style and a good deal and took delight in being thrifty.

Peggy was also passionate. She held no higher passions than for God and her family. She had a subtle humor that often went undetected by the unvigilant but was unmistakable to those who knew her best.

Peggy was an excellent cook, and her sour cream chocolate cake with seven-minute frosting was said to be so good that it could heal a broken heart. She was a devoted companion to her husband Jim for over 66 years. Together they enjoyed attending countless rodeos and gambling trips.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her son-in-law, Wayne Upton; grandson, Zachary Upton; two sisters, Lorna Shepardson and Irene Nelson; and a brother, Jack Heiser.

She is survived by three daughters, Barbara Upton of Monroe, Connecticut, Kae (Greg) Madden of Westminster, CO, and Jo (Barry) Perlinger of Paxton; 6 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Peggy's memory for later designation.
Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton, with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Paxton Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala, with the Rosary at 7:00 pm at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.