Gretchen “Peggy” Stewart, 81, of Maple Rapids, MI passed away on October 22, 2017. Peggy was born on December 23, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of Wilhelm and Charlotte Hiller. She graduated from Frankfort High School in Philadelphia, PA in May of 1953 and the following month, was whisked away from the city to begin her life in the country when she married James Stewart of Clinton County, MI on June 20, 1953. He preceded her in death in April 1989.

After settling in Clinton County, together they worked their farm and began raising their 4 boys. Peggy also worked for Redmond Motors (Ithaca); GTE Phone Company (St. Johns); the US Postal Service (in Maple Rapids, St. Johns and Carson City) and part time for Osgood Funeral Home as a hostess in their Maple Rapids Abbott Chapel. Peggy loved her family and grandchildren, volunteering for the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church and gardening. Surviving her are her children David of Houston, TX; Jeffrey (Loraine) of Maple Rapids, MI and Adam (Renee) of Oxford, MI. She is also survived by grandchildren Brian, Terry, Kyle, Emily, Alison & Amelia. Peggy is also survived by brothers William (Arlene) of Fairfax, VA and Erich (Joyce) of Southampton, NJ. Peggy was also preceded in death by her son Marty of Chicago, IL and sister Helen of Tampa Bay, FL.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, October 25th from 1-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 26th at 11am at Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating with a visitation immediately preceding the service at 10am. Interment will follow the service at Lowe Cemetery. Donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Maple Rapids in lieu of flowers.