Peggy Ellen Mace Jerrel was surrounded by family when she was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on October 30, 2021. She was born the daughter of Lloyd Fredrick and Vera Mace, March 19, 1931.
Peggy grew up in a two-room log cabin at Ranch Creek and attended a one room schoolhouse until she was 13. She and her siblings rode three miles by horseback on Rosebud Monk to get to school. Her family moved to Miles City in 1944. In Miles City, Peggy attended Custer County High School and worked at Holy Rosary Kitchen, Haley Grocery, and Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company.
On June 5, 1949, Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Jerrel. During this time, she worked for Dr. Arlo Nansel, DDS and supported Raymond in his trucking business, often travelling to meet up with him to bring repairs and/or responding to phone calls 24/7. Raymond and Peggy had a strong, loving bond and loved each other immensely. They enjoyed their family and many life-long friends. They loved travelling. Some of their favorite excursions were an exclusive camp in Africa, New Zealand, various cruises, and regular trips to Mexico and Las Vegas with friends. They also enjoyed socializing and were members of the Sage Riders and the Miles City Club.
In 1960, Raymond and Peggy welcomed Shawna into their lives and David joined the family in 1962. They were loving parents who always put their children first.
Church and family were very important to Peggy. She had strong religious beliefs and her church family was very important to her. Her interests included gardening, swimming, and golf. She also thoroughly enjoyed teaching and playing bridge. Peggy loved politics; she had no equal when arguing politics and she fiercely defended her point of view. She became the President of the Montana Motor Carriers in 1979 and was the first woman nationally to hold that position. In this role she testified for the interests of the trucking industry in Helena, MT and Washington DC. She also served on several boards including the Miles City Health Board. Peggy stood up for many people during her life and freely gave of her time to serve others.
Those who knew Peggy Ellen Jerrel were blessed by her presence in their lives. Peggy's giving nature touched many lives and was an example for all of us. She demonstrated kindness and charity toward many, particularly the underdog, often without anyone knowing who had done the good deed.
Peggy is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Raymond Jerrel, her two children David Jerrel (wife Sharla, son Corbin-deceased, and daughters McKinsey and Briar) and Shawna Jerrel Rothaus (husband Randy, sons Michael, Austin, Jaryd, and granddaughter Arya), and her sister Frances (Joel) Dudley-Mason. The siblings that preceded her in death are: Dan (Phyllis) Mace, Jeanne (Chet) Holst, Mary Ann (Wayne) Irion, Patsy (Bob) Magnesen, Katherine (Doug) Flint, Ray (Shirlee) Mace, Vera "Pong" (Charles) Carter and Max Mace (died in infancy). Peggy had 30 nieces and nephews, 47 Great-Nieces and Nephews, 39 Great-Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.
Peggy Jerrel leaves a legacy through her manifestation of the spiritual principles of honesty, perseverance, courage, integrity, and brotherly love that we can all benefit from following.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Miles City Public Library, Custer County Art Center, Range Riders Museum, or Lutheran Welfare Social Services, Helena.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 5th from 4 to 6 pm at Stevenson and Sons in Miles City. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 6 at Stevenson and Sons at 11 am, with interment to follow.
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