Early Tuesday morning, April 24, 2012, Peggy Jo Massey slipped into the embrace of Jesus Christ, her Savior and Lord. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Peggy was born April 10, 1933, to Theodore and Georgia Collins Feidner in Roswell, N.M. Their large family afforded Peggy the pleasure of close friendships with her siblings. Among other pastimes, she adored spending countless hours singing harmony with them throughout her life. As a young girl, she laced up her first pair of skates and promptly fell in love. Along with her brothers and sisters, Peggy learned the art of dance skating and was a graceful, accomplished performer. On July 16, 1955, she married U.S. Air Force Lt. John W. Massey in El Paso, Texas. She earned her PhT (Putting Hubby Through), working as a secretary for many years as he completed a degree at Baylor University. In 1962, John and Peggy came to Missouri, where he began his career in accounting. While living in Independence, Peggy was a homemaker, room mother, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher. At age 35, she gathered the courage to return to college. Naturally shy, she expressed her reticence to face the prospect of intense study, lamenting that she'd "be 40 years old!" when she finished. John encouraged her, saying, "You'll be 40 years old anyway, so why not celebrate that birthday and your degree?" With his support, she earned a B.S. in elementary education from Central Missouri State University. After moving to Liberty, Peggy taught for 22 years, most of which were at Lewis and Clark Elementary School. She later received a master's degree in reading from University of Missouri—Kansas City. Peggy's classroom walls were resplendent in their evolving displays of handmade creations designed to beckon children into the exciting world of learning. She loved them, prayed for them and found many quiet ways to help families in need. At her death, Peggy leaves behind a heavily notated Bible and a host of deeply cherished memories. In addition to both parents; beloved son, Timothy Wayne Massey; Peggy's siblings, Ruth, Dorothy "Dottie," Theodore Jr. "Bud" and Vernon "Bobby" Feidner; all preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law, John Patterson, all of Columbia; sisters, Betty (Don) Burman of Canton, Mich., Shirley Feidner Fox of Kernersville, N.C., Kay Feidner of South Easton, Mass.; honorary sister/niece, Sharon (Alex) Bidwell of Canton, Mich.; and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Massey of Springfield, Mo., Pat Massey of Riverside, Calif., Myra Erickson of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., and Marilyn Stempel of Ottumwa, Iowa. Survivors include stepgranddaughters, Susan Patterson (Jeffrey) Peel and her sons, Carter and Zachary, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Elizabeth Patterson Schultz and sons, Edmund, Nicholas and Matthew, of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Dr. Douglas Vogt, who unwaveringly offered compassionate vigilant care for Peggy and her family. Peggy's loved ones are unendingly thankful for every pair of tender hands that ministered to her at Lenoir Health Care Center. Your patient kindness is an extension of God's mercy, as you did for Peggy what her family could no longer manage. In lieu of a formal "memorial," we ask that those who are concerned would consider an even greater gift: that of forgiveness. Forgive those who have wronged you, seek the forgiveness of those you have hurt and, most precious of all, receive the Divine Forgiveness from the One who so lovingly offers it to all who would believe. No more wheelchairs, no medicines, no sorrow or suffering. Everlasting joy to you, beautiful one!


Obit. courtesy of C.M.W.L.