Peggy Wenger

Family graveside services for Peggy Wenger, 91, Lawrence were held at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Lecompton, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life for Peggy was held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

Peggy passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Neuvant House. The staff was so warm and caring for her during her time with them. She truly loved them as a second family. She was cared for by Ascend Hospice providers who were also great caregivers for Peggy and her daughters, especially near the end of her life.

Peggy was born on April 10, 1934, in Mound City, KS, the daughter of L.F. and Irene (Davis) Milton. She graduated from Research nursing school as an RN in 1955 and worked in the Lawrence area for many years. She had great relationships with the physicians she worked for and many patients remembered her fondly. She would even identify some people in town as her “babies” who she helped deliver when she saw them in public. She had considered going to medical school, but found extremely fulfilling nursing jobs and met her husband and started a family. She retired from the Orthopaedic surgery office as office manager in 1999.

She married Leo Wenger on February 23, 1958, in Lawrence, KS, and he preceded her in death. They were avid outdoors people and enjoyed hunting and fishing together. They went fishing for their honeymoon at a lake with heated docks in Oklahoma. Rumor has it that Peggy caught more fish than Leo on that trip. They raised American Quarter Horses together in Lecompton, KS building their home and ranch in 1987. They cared for their elderly parents there as well. Peggy loved all animals and showed her horses with pride winning her last blue ribbon at the age of 79. In her later years she enjoyed watching the wildlife from her windows, especially the deer and birds. Up until the end of her life she had a great sense of humor and really enjoyed making other people laugh. She also loved sweets, especially chocolate. She was an advocate for eating dessert first, in case you were too full for it after dinner. She lived a rich, full life.

Survivors include her children; Laura (Ronald) Barnes, Paula (John Falley) Wenger, and her grandchildren Jennifer and Austin Barnes. She was also step-mother to Leo’s three children from his first marriage and had many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many.

Peggy was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Amos Milton.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Lawrence Humane Society or the Lecompton First United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.