Peggy Rae Lowes

Peggy Rae Watson Lowes, a woman who possessed enormous passion, determination, and a great sense of fun, died peacefully at her home in Jackson, Missouri on September 2, 2016. She was 80 years old. Peggy was a woman of diverse interests. She worked as a journalist, a social worker and a landlord. However, her most challenging, as well as rewarding, role may have been as the sounding board, counselor, companion, and frequent conscience for her husband of 56 years, Albert C. Lowes, who practiced law in the Cape Girardeau area, beginning in 1959. Peggy was born on May 12, 1936 in Bay City, Michigan. Her parents were Raymond M. Watson and Vera T. Watson (nee Rousch). She was their fourth and youngest child. Her early years were marked by adversity. She was burned over 40 percent of her body in 1939 and then had to spend more than two years away from her family at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit healing. These early years were very formative for her. After her recovery, she returned to Bay City. She graduated from Bay City High School in 1954 and spent two years at a local junior college before transferring to the University of Missouri - Columbia to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism which she received in 1959. While she was a student at Mizzou she met her future husband. Albert was able to convince Peggy to move to Southeast Missouri after graduation. She began a career as a reporter at the Southeast Missourian in 1959. She often joked that she always wanted to be a foreign correspondent and felt that she had, in fact, became one when she moved to Cape Girardeau. She did, however, happily settle into life in Southeast Missouri when they married on August 27, 1960 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape. Albert and Peggy were blessed with, and occasionally challenged by, their three children: Danita Rae Lowes, Albert Charles Lowes II and Kurt Brandon Lowes. All three children obtained both bachelor and graduate degrees. Danita resides in Sydney, Australia and Jackson, Wyoming. Albert lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Kurt is a resident of Oak Park, Illinois. All three are married. They managed to delight both Peggy and Albert with 4 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. Danita and her husband, David Fite, are the parents of Hayden Lowes Fite (age 13), Blake Watson Fite (age 11), Zara Alderson Fite (age 11) and Nicole Clara Bennett-Fite (age 22). Nicole is a resident of Oakland, California. Albert and his wife, Susan Starkey Lowes, are parents to Ashley Whiting (age 26). Ashley and her husband, Daniel, also reside in Oklahoma City. Kurt and his wife, Crystal Kennedy Lowes, are the parents of Ascher Delson Lowes (age 7). After the birth of her children, Peggy followed the norm of the day and ended her journalism career to devote her time to parenting. She remained actively involved in the lives of her children. She was often a friend, confidant and source of fun to the many children and young adults who journeyed through the Lowes household in Jackson. Although many were intimidated by her husband, they all found Peggy to be a cheerful presence and a source of support when needed. During these years, Peggy also pursued many other interests. She was a charter member and active in St. Mark Lutheran Church, various charities including Meals on Wheels, and spent time with her many friends and neighbors. As her children grew, she decided to return to full-time employment. She was employed for over 21 years by the State of Missouri as a social worker and supervisor in the Child Support Enforcement Division. Peggy also acted as a manager of 20 family owned apartments. Peggy was a member of the Jackson Elks. She was a lifetime member of the Cape Girardeau VFW Auxiliary Post and a 40 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Jackson. In her later years, she struggled with some health related issues. She did, however, remain passionate about travel and new challenges. She would journey to any destination which one of her children might suggest. She also remained a devoted wife, mother and friend. She will be missed by many. Peggy is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, 1 sister (Lynn Bauder of Lansing, Michigan), 4 sister-in-laws (Mary Watson of Bay City, Michigan; Jean Paden of Maysville, Missouri; Mary Lowes of Cape Girardeau; and Jeanne Lowes of McKinney, Texas), 1 brother-in-law (Guy Lowes of McKinney, Texas) and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother (Richard Watson), 1 sister (Laurel Culver), and 2 nephews (Steven Culver and John Watson). Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The funeral will be held at 10am on Friday, September 9, 2016 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home with Rev. Michael S. Malone officiating. Entombment will be at the Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Children's Hospital of Michigan, for the Peggy Watson Lowes Tribute Fund. Donations can be mailed to: Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, 3901 Beaubien, Mailslot 257, Detroit MI 48201 or made online via chmfoundation.org/donate-now/ by clicking the link for memorial gifts.

Tributes

Peggy Rae Lowes

May 12, 1936 - September 2, 2016