Published on April 7, 2026 7:11 pm
Last Updated on April 7, 2026 7:15 pm
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Peggy Sue (Holmes) Beatty, 82, of Effingham, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 5, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Effingham County Humane Society or St. Anthony Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Peggy was born on September 1, 1943, in Joplin, MO, the daughter of Kenneth and Katherine (Baker) Holmes. She was the apple of her parents’ eyes during her early years and later became a loving role model to her three younger sisters, who often looked to her as a second mother. Peggy was well-liked and active in school, participating in many activities and proudly serving as a member of the cheerleading squad. She also shared a special bond with her mother through dance, first as a student at her mother’s dance school and later as a teacher herself. A gifted pianist, Peggy began playing at a young age and continued sharing her talent throughout her life, including playing at Willow Street Church of Christ. On February 20, 1965, Peggy married the love of her life, Richard G. Beatty at Sacred Heart Church in Effingham. Together, they built a life centered on love and family, raising two children, Bart and Angie. Peggy dedicated over thirty years to working in the hotel industry, where her warmth and kindness touched many lives. Her happiest moments were spent at the lake, a place she considered her peaceful retreat. She loved feeding the birds, ducks, and catfish from the dock and took great pride in her flowers there. The lake was also where Peggy brought people together – hosting family gatherings, class reunions, and holiday celebrations filled with laughter and love. When her grandchildren were born, Peggy embraced her most treasured role – “Nan.” Her love for them was boundless, and they were the light of her life. She was so proud to be a great-grandmother to Aiden and Ivy and loved them dearly. Peggy will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and the love she gave so freely to
everyone around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Peggy is survived by her daughter, Angie Jones; along with cherished grandchildren, Macci (Andy) Lustig, Jordan Jones, and Payton Jones; great-grandchildren, Aiden and Ivy Lustig; sisters, Debbie (Connie Wright) Holmes and Beth Holmes; nephews, Aaron (Erica) Lange, Nick (Rushida) Miller, Rob Houghton, and Tom (Dana) Houghton; nieces, Ivy (Danny) Rhinehart and Jessica (Shane) Smith; great-nephews, Kolten Lange, James Cronk, and Bodhi Miller; great-niece, Joanna Cronk; her former son-in-law, who she stayed close to, Mark Wildbur; and many dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Katherine (Baker) Holmes; her beloved husband, Richard G. Beatty; her son, Bart Beatty; sister, Vickie Dasenbrock; father-in-law and
mother-in-law, Ralph and Dorothy Esker; and nephew, Scott Wallace.