Peggy Jo VanDeveer

Peggy Jo VanDeveer, 91, of Arcola, IL passed away at 7:30 AM on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at The Oaks Manor in Oakland, IL. 

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 29th at 11:00am at Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Todd Nolen will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Arcola Cemetery. 

Peggy was born on January 26th, 1933 in Mattoon, IL. She was the daughter of Maurice Daniel and Maymie Ellen (Stump) Henry. She married David Carl VanDeveer on June 11th, 1952 in Mattoon, IL. He passed away on March 8th, 2020. 

She is survived by two children, Michael David VanDeveer and his wife Lori, and Craig Daniel VanDeveer and his wife Tina, all of Arcola, IL, five grandchildren, Megan Leech, of Tuscola, IL, Ethan VanDeveer, Caitlyn Miller and her husband Eric of Arcola, IL, Stephen VanDeveer and his wife Lauren of Morris, IL, and Amber Weaver and her husband Rich of Oakland, IL, ten great grandchildren, Jacob, Jayden, and Rylan Weaver, Leo and Abe VanDeveer, Carter and Conner Leech, Reese and Ross Miller, and Shay VanDeveer. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, Jack Henry. 

Peggy graduated from Mattoon High School. After high school she and Dave married and moved to California while he served in the Navy. Peggy worked for the Arcola School System as a cook for one year, then focused on making a home for her family. She cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren, especially the summers at Mattoon Lake. 

Peggy was a member of the Arcola United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing cards and marbles at the Arcola Senior Center. Peggy was an avid Arcola Purple Riders football fan for many years. She loved all kinds of music, but her favorites were Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys. 

In recent years, Peggy loved to sit outdoors with her friends at The Oaks Manor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for the purchase of new outdoor furniture that can be enjoyed by her “Oaks” family for many summers to come. The family greatly appreciates the love, care, and friendships Peggy felt at The Oaks.