Peggy Elaine (Hale) Lakes, age 82, passed away peacefully at her residence of 65 years on May 30, 2026.

Born on December 2, 1943, Peggy lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend whose kindness, strength, and generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents James & Pearl Hale, her beloved husband of 48 years, Paul Travis Lakes, and by her brother James Matthew Hale.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Karen Elaine Michaels; Great Grandson Steven Lamar Gales, whom she lovingly helped raise from childhood and who held a special place in her heart; her grandchildren, Ashley Christine Michaels, Kristen Pearl(Cody) Morgan, Abby Marie(Phillip) Steinway, and Kaden Paul Michaels; and her great grandchildren, Avie Pearl Morgan, Stelleaona Elaine Jane Michaels Williams, Nova Jade Morgan, Nellie Evalina Steinway, and expected great granddaughter, Murphy Steinway; a sister Carol(Bill) Herren, a brother Phillip(Elaine) Hale and several nieces and nephews.

She spent a lot of her childhood with her siblings at her grandmother’s home in Frenchburg, KY and summers in Mount Sterling with her Aunt Delphine. Her parents instilled in her how important hard work, dedication to family and the love of the Lord were. She graduated from Xenia High School in 1963.

Peggy dedicated more than 40 years of service as a secretary at SuperValu, where she was known for her dependability, strong work ethic, and caring nature. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing cards, bowling, cooking for family and friends, and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She spent many years participating in bowling leagues, a pastime that brought her both joy and lifelong friendships. Her meals brought people together, and her kitchen was often the heart of family gatherings.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Peggy attended First Assembly of God for many years under the leadership of Pastor Ronald Swiger. Her relationship with Jesus Christ guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the compassion, generosity, and grace she showed to others. Her greatest accomplishment was the faith she instilled in her family, influencing generations to know and love Christ. Through her example, she helped lead generations of her family closer to the Lord and leaves behind a spiritual legacy that will continue for years to come.

Those who knew Peggy will remember her loving heart, her quick wit, her wisdom, her resilience, and her dedication to her family. Though her loved ones grieve her absence, they find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and free from pain and suffering.

A celebration of Peggy's life will be held on June 12, 2026 at Neeld’s funeral home at 11am, with graveside service following at Valley View Memorial Gardens in Xenia, OH. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a remarkable woman whose love and faith will continue to live on through all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23